Vessel
Common hepatic artery
Celiac branch connecting hepatic and gastroduodenal circulations
High-yield
The gastroduodenal branch marks the usual change from common hepatic to proper hepatic artery. The hepatic arterial tree has frequent origin and branching variations.
Overview
The common hepatic artery courses rightward above the pancreas. After giving the gastroduodenal artery, its continuation is usually named the proper hepatic artery, which ascends toward the liver in the hepatoduodenal ligament.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually arises from the celiac trunk.
- Course
- Travels to the right near the superior pancreatic border, approaching the proximal duodenum before continuing toward the liver.
- Branches
- The gastroduodenal artery and continuation as proper hepatic artery are the principal divisions; right gastric origin is variable.
- Supplies
- Through its branches, supplies liver and biliary structures as well as parts of the stomach, duodenum and pancreatic head.
- Drains to
- Venous return from the liver uses hepatic veins; other supplied digestive tissues mainly return blood through portal tributaries.
Clinical correlation
A right hepatic artery may arise from the superior mesenteric artery instead of the usual hepatic route. Such a vessel can represent the principal arterial supply to its territory, making individual vascular anatomy clinically important.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the common hepatic artery originate?
Usually arises from the celiac trunk.
What does the common hepatic artery supply?
Through its branches, supplies liver and biliary structures as well as parts of the stomach, duodenum and pancreatic head.
Where does the common hepatic artery drain to?
Venous return from the liver uses hepatic veins; other supplied digestive tissues mainly return blood through portal tributaries.
What are the branches of the common hepatic artery?
The gastroduodenal artery and continuation as proper hepatic artery are the principal divisions; right gastric origin is variable.