A sound knowledge of the normal and variant liver anatomy is a prerequisite for a favorable surgical outcome. Knowledge of commonly occurring variations assumes more significance in the era of diagnostic imaging and minimally-invasive surgical approaches. Accessory lobe may be confused with tumor. Accessory fissure may mimic internal trauma at the time of the autopsy. In any operative procedure involving the liver, a surgeon’s knowledge of hepatic anatomy is vital in determining the outcome. Hence to alert clinicians, surgeons and radiologists and to add information to the data base of anatomists, this study is undertaken.

The materials used for present study comprises 60 adult livers with age ranging from 40 to 75 years which were dissected during routine dissection classes for medical undergraduate students over a period of 12 years in Department of Anatomy, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore. The Formalin fixed livers were carefully studied for the presence morphological variations such as presence of accessory lobes, accessory fissures atrophy of lobes, accessory fissures, elongated lobe, presence of Hartmann’s pouch, absence of cystic notch , accessory processes etc. Livers with features of cirrhosis or any damage or diseases were excluded. This was an observational study with no usage of any experimental instruments. Appropriate measurements were taken by calipers and measuring tape. The specimens were photographed and the findings were appropriately documented.