Coronary ligament of liver

The coronary ligament of liver is formed where the visceral peritoneum covering the liver reflects onto the diaphragm to become parietal peritoneum. This reflection occurs around an area on the dorsal surface of the liver that lacks peritoneal covering, known as the bare area of the liver. These two layers diverge laterally and converge to form the right and left triangular ligaments, which also attach the liver to the diaphragm on each side.

Topographical Relations

• Located dorsally, between the diaphragm and the cranial aspect of the liver.

• Overlies the caudal vena cava, which passes through the liver at the level of the hepatic hilus.

• Closely associated with the triangular ligaments and often considered part of a complex ligamentous arrangement including the falciform ligament and round ligament (ligamentum teres hepatis).

Function

The coronary ligament has several key roles:

• Suspension of the liver: It helps to anchor the liver to the diaphragm, preventing displacement during movement or changes in body posture.

• Delimitation of the bare area: It outlines the region where the liver is directly apposed to the diaphragm without intervening peritoneum.

• Support for hepatic vessels: It provides a structural pathway near major hepatic vessels (e.g., hepatic veins, caudal vena cava).

Species-Specific Notes

• Dog and Cat: The coronary ligament is relatively well-defined; the bare area of the liver is small.

• Horse: The liver is large and asymmetrical; the ligament is less distinct but functionally important.

• Ruminants (e.g., cow, goat): The liver is shifted to the right due to rumen displacement; the coronary ligament is part of a complex of suspensory structures that adapt to this position.