Background: The liver, situated in the upper right abdomen, is vital for detoxification, protein synthesis, bile production, and nutrient storage. This study aims to investigate the anatomical and morphometric characteristics of neonatal livers in Kirkuk city.
Methods: Between November 2022 and June 2023, an autopsy of 31 cadavers (aged 1-28 days, 40-55 cm in length, 2.9-5.4 kg) was performed in Kirkuk governorates. After cleaning with tap water, the bodies were placed supine with an elevated chest. A longitudinal midline thoracoabdominal incision allowed examination of the liver's anatomical position and surrounding structures.
Result: The neonatal liver displayed a rubbery, solid consistency and had a reddish-brown color. It occupied the upper portion of the abdominal cavity in the right hypochondrium. Anatomically, it consisted of the right and left lobes, with small caudate and quadrate lobes present in the right lobe. The right lobe constituted approximately half to two-thirds of the total liver volume. Gross inspection revealed that the left lobe was smaller and more flattened compared to the right lobe. Its upper surface was slightly convex and conformed to the diaphragm. The weight of the neonatal liver was 108.366 ±32.11 grams, with maximum dimensions of 4.85-6.45 cm in height and 5.7-7.8 cm in length. The transverse and anteroposterior dimensions of the right and left lobes measured (5.72, 3.15, 3.57, 2.93 cm) respectively.
Conclusions: This study offers evidence on the anatomical features, location, shape, weight, and morphometric parameters of the neonatal liver, utilizing caliper measurements to provide dependable estimates of normal liver volume. It may serve as a valuable reference for future research endeavors.