The liver has 2 main lobes. The right lobe is larger than the left lobe. Each lobe is divided into segments.The lobes are separated by a band of tissue called the falciform ligament. This ligament also attaches the liver to the diaphragm. A layer of connective tissue, called Glisson’s capsule or the capsule, covers the liver.
BILE DUCTS
Liver cells make bile. Bile is a yellow-green fluid that helps the body digest fat. Bile travels through a series of tubes, or ducts, in the liver to the small intestine or to the gallbladder for storage. If there is food in the small intestine, the bile will flow directly from the liver, through the common hepatic duct and common bile duct into the duodenum to help with digestion. If the small intestine is empty, the bile will collect in the common bile duct until it backs up into the cystic duct and into the gallbladder, where it is stored until it is needed.
BLOOD VESSELS
Unlike most other organs, the liver has 2 major sources of blood: The portal vein carries blood from the digestive system, which removes most of the oxygen in the blood, to the liver. About 75% of the liver’s blood supply comes from the portal vein. This blood has nutrients from the digestive system. The hepatic artery supplies the liver with oxygen-rich blood from the heart. Most of the blood is removed from the liver through the right, middle and left hepatic veins.