Notch for the round ligament

The notch for the round ligament of the liver is located on the ventral margin of the liver in many domestic mammals. It relates to the fetal umbilical vein, which persists as the round ligament (ligamentum teres hepatis) after birth.

General Anatomy

The round ligament of the liver is the fibrous remnant of the left umbilical vein. During fetal life, this vein carried oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus. After birth, it obliterates and becomes a fibrous cord embedded within the free margin of the falciform ligament. At the site where this ligament attaches to the liver’s ventral border, there is typically a small depression or notch referred to as the notch for the round ligament.

Species-Specific Details

• Dog and Cat (Carnivores):

  • The notch is located on the ventral border of the liver between the left medial and quadrate lobes.

  • It is usually quite evident, especially in cats, where the ligamentum teres is often well developed.

• Horse:

  • The liver is relatively small and does not extend across the midline as much as in other species.

  • The notch for the round ligament is present but not as pronounced as in ruminants or carnivores.

  • It is located near the ventral aspect of the left lobe.

• Ruminants (Cattle, Sheep, Goat):

  • The liver is largely displaced to the right side of the abdomen.

  • The notch for the round ligament can be seen near the ventral border of the liver, often at the junction of the left lobe and the quadrate lobe.

• Pig:

  • The liver in pigs shows a relatively distinct lobation.

  • The notch is typically visible on the ventral border, again between the quadrate and left medial lobes, corresponding to the course of the round ligament.