What is ligamentum venosum?: An Overview of Fetal and Adult Liver Anatomy
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2 min read
As an anatomical vestige of a fetus's crucial developmental pathway, the ligamentum venosum is a fibrous cord located in the liver. This seemingly minor structure is a remnant of the ductus venosus, a fetal vessel that shunted oxygenated blood away from the liver and directly to the heart, which is a vital part of the prenatal circulatory system. Post-birth, the vessel closes and becomes this fibrous ligament, though its patency can signify serious congenital and liver conditions.