THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS AND NUTRITION 233 



on the right side, immediately under the arch of the dia- 

 phragm (Fig. 86, p. 153). The peritoneum, without 

 entirely covering it, adheres closely to it and attaches it 

 to the diaphragm and other parts. By a deep fissure it 

 is separated into right and left lobes (Fig. 116). The 

 tissue elements of the liver are the hepatic cells, and all 

 the other parts contribute to their support, protection, 



Fig. 116. The liver seen from below. 



and nutrition. The hepatic cells are grouped together in 

 little masses to form lobules, which are permeated by the 

 blood capillaries from the portal vein and the hepatic 

 artery. From these capillaries the blood passes to a small 

 vein which unites with those from other lobules to form the 

 hepatic veins, which empty into the inferior vena cava. 



334. Blood Supply of the Liver. The liver has an im- 

 mense supply of blood. That which is brought by the 



