1. The liver develops from the endodermal layer of the foregut during the 4th week of gestation. Hepatic cords grow into the transverse septum and invest the vitelline and umbilical veins. 2. The liver has 8 segments and is supplied by the hepatic artery and portal vein. It has both excretory and metabolic functions that can be assessed through various blood tests and imaging modalities. 3. Common surgical conditions of the liver include benign tumors such as hemangiomas and focal nodular hyperplasia. Malignant primary tumors include hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatoblastoma, and cholangiocarcinoma.