The hepatorenal recess (Morison's pouch) is the most dependent part of the peritoneal cavity in the supine patient. Which peritoneal reflection forms its posterior wall?
- A Coronary ligament of the liver
- B Right triangular ligament
- C Right anterior and posterior layers of the coronary ligament (bare area of liver) ✓
- D Hepatoduodenal ligament
Explanation
Morison's pouch (hepatorenal recess) is the space between the right lobe of the liver and the right kidney/right suprarenal gland, communicating with the right subhepatic space. It is bounded anteriorly by the right lobe of liver, posteriorly by the right kidney and right suprarenal gland, and superiorly by the posterior layer of the coronary ligament (bare area of liver). In free intraperitoneal hemorrhage (liver laceration, ruptured ectopic pregnancy), this is the most dependent area in the supine position, and the first place FAST ultrasound detects free fluid. The hepatoduodenal ligament is the free edge of the lesser omentum.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.