Diaphragmatic surface of liver

The diaphragmatic surface (superior surface) of liver is divided into four parts (superior, anterior, right and posterior parts):

• The superior surface of liver (superior part of diaphragmatic surface) comprises a part of both lobes, and, as a whole, is convex, and fits under the vault of the diaphragm which in front separates it on the right from the sixth to the tenth ribs and their cartilages, and on the left from the seventh and eighth costal cartilages.

• The anterior surface of liver (anterior part of diaphragmatic surface) lies behind the xiphoid process, and, in the angle between the diverging rib cartilage of opposite sides, is in contact with the abdominal wall. Behind this the diaphragm separates the liver from the lower part of the lungs and pleuræ, the heart and pericardium. It is completely covered by peritoneum except along the line of attachment of the falciform ligament. The cardiac impression is a depression that lies below the the attachment surface of diaphragm and pericardium, extending into the area nuda and bounded by the inferior vena cava.

• The right surface of liver (right part of diaphragmatic surface) faces the diaphragm and the right costal arches from the seventh to the eleventh inclusive

• The posterior surface of liver (posterior part of diaphragmatic surface) is rounded and broad behind the right lobe, but narrow on the left. Over a large part of its extent it is not covered by peritoneum (the bare area of liver)