Liver of an Obese Male Close Up

Description

Superimposed on an adult male torso, the liver occupies the right upper quadrant beneath the costal margin, extending medially across the epigastrium toward the left hypochondrium. The right lobe dominates laterally, while the smaller left lobe tapers toward the midline; along the inferior border, a distinct notch marks the fissure for the round ligament (ligamentum teres hepatis). Inferior to the diaphragmatic surface, the visceral aspect is implied where the porta hepatis would sit, transmitting the portal vein, proper hepatic artery, and hepatic ducts. Orientation is anatomical. Obesity changes how clinicians think about hepatic size, contour, and access, so a close, body-referenced depiction helps when teaching hepatomegaly and fatty liver (metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease, formerly NAFLD) as they present on exam and imaging. The round ligament notch is a practical landmark when correlating surface anatomy with the falciform ligament and umbilical fissure, and it becomes relevant during laparoscopic port placement and retraction, where the left lobe and falciform attachments can limit exposure. A clear midline reference also supports discussion of segmental anatomy, since Couinaud segments II to IV lie to the left of the falciform plane while V to VIII occupy the right functional liver. Use this artwork in gross anatomy labs to anchor liver topography to the chest wall and costal margin, or in hepatology and bariatric medicine lectures when explaining why ultrasound windows and palpation findings shift with central adiposity. It also fits surgical education materials introducing the subcostal and laparoscopic approaches, where surface landmarks guide safe entry and orientation before the porta hepatis is dissected. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.