Round ligament of liver

The round ligament of the liver (or ligamentum teres, or ligamentum teres hepatis) is a degenerative string of tissue 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.Round ligament of liver.Superior surface of liver. The round ligament of the liver (or ligamentum teres, or ligamentum teres hepatis) is a degenerative string of tissue 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. The round ligament represents the remnant of the fetal umbilical vein. The round ligament therefore only exists in placental mammals. Prenatally and for a month or two after birth, the umbilical vein is open, subsequently degenerating 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.