The Couinaud segmental anatomy of the liver divides the liver into 8 functional segments based on portal pedicles and hepatic vein territories. The caudate lobe corresponds to which segment?

• A Segment IV
• B Segment II
• C Segment VIII
• D Segment I ✓

Explanation

In Couinaud's segmental anatomy, Segment I is the caudate lobe (also called Spiegel's lobe). It is unique in that it has its own independent portal and hepatic arterial supply and drains directly into the inferior vena cava via small hepatic veins, separate from the three main hepatic veins. This anatomical independence allows isolated caudate lobe resection. Segment IV is the medial segment of the left lobe (quadrate lobe), Segment II is the superior subsegment of the left lateral sector, and Segment VIII is the right anterior superior subsegment.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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