What is the normal span of the adult liver in the midclavicular line?

The normal span of the adult liver in the midclavicular line is typically considered to be between 15 to 18 cm. This measurement reflects the average distance from the left lobe of the liver to the inferior border in the right midclavicular line, where the liver can be palpably delineated during a physical examination.

Assessing liver size is important in clinical practice because it can provide valuable information regarding underlying liver pathology or hepatic disease. An enlarged liver, known as hepatomegaly, often indicates conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or congestive heart failure. Knowing the normal range helps clinicians identify abnormalities during examinations.

Other options refer to measurements in different lines or ranges that do not accurately represent the established norms for liver size in the midclavicular line, reflecting either smaller spans or different anatomical landmarks that are not appropriate for assessing liver size in the context of this question.