Round ligament of liver
The round ligament of the liver is the remnant of the umbilical vein that exists in the free edge of the falciform ligament of the liver. The round ligament divides the left part of the liver into medial and lateral sections.
Since the round ligament is the remnant of the embryonic umbilical vein, it only exists in placental mammals. After the child is born, the umbilical vein degenerates to fibrous tissue, the round ligament.
In adulthood, small paraumbilical veins remain in the substance of the ligament. These act as an important portacaval anastomosis in severe portal hypertension, resulting in a caput medusae.
The umbilical vein/round ligament inserts around the umbilicus and is an important landmark of the inner surface of the anterior abdominal wall.Additional Images
