The left lobe is the smaller, thinner part of the liver that lies to the left of the falciform ligament and extends across the epigastrium over the stomach. Anatomically it contains segments II and III. Functionally, the left liver also includes segment IV (which contains the quadrate lobe), lying left of the Cantlie line.
| Location | Left part of the liver, crossing the epigastrium into the left upper quadrant, in front of the stomach |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Hepatic plexus from the coeliac plexus (sympathetic); Vagus nerve (parasympathetic) |
| Blood Supply | Left hepatic artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Shares all liver functions; its blood and bile drainage are independent of the right lobe.
The left lateral section (segments II and III) is often used for liver transplantation in children. In some people a replaced or accessory left hepatic artery arises from the left gastric artery and runs in the lesser omentum, so dividing that vessel during gastric surgery can damage the left lobe. The left lobe can be retracted to expose the gastro-oesophageal junction.
Damage to the left lobe when an aberrant left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery is divided during stomach surgery.
Parasitic cyst from Echinococcus that can occur in either lobe; the left lobe is affected less often than the right.
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