round ligament of liver round ligament of liver the round ligament of the liver (or ligamentum teres, or ligamentum teres hepatis) is a ligament that forms part of the free edge of the falciform ligament of the liver. it connects the liver to the umbilicus. it is the remnant of the left umbilical vein. the round ligament divides the left part of the liver into medial and lateral sections. for other structures with similar name, see round ligament (disambiguation). round ligament of liverliver seen from below, with the round ligament labeled at bottom.1: right lobe of liver2: left lobe of liver3: quadrate lobe of liver4: round ligament of liver5: falciform ligament6: caudate lobe of liver7: inferior vena cava8: common bile duct9: hepatic artery10: portal vein11: cystic duct12: hepatic duct13: gallbladderdetailsprecursorleft umbilical veinidentifierslatinligamentum teres hepatismeshd000069592ta98a05.8.01.015ta25104fma14079anatomical terminology structure the round ligament connects the liver to the umbilicus. it divides the left part of the liver into medial and lateral sections. development the round ligament of the liver is the remnant of the umbilical vein during embryonic development. it only exists in placental mammals. after the child is born, the umbilical vein degenerates to fibrous tissue. the left portal vein (which gives branches to paraumbilical veins) is connected to the round ligament (ligamentum teres) and ligamentum venosum. clinical significance portal hypertension 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. abscess very rarely, the round ligament of the liver may develop an abscess. this usually requires liver surgery to treat. landmark the umbilical vein/round ligament inserts around the umbilicus, and is an important landmark of the inner surface of the anterior abdominal wall. additional images round ligament of liver.superior surface of liver.