Vessel
Proper hepatic artery
Hepatic inflow artery within the hepatoduodenal ligament
High-yield
The usual ligament arrangement places duct on the right, artery on the left and portal vein posteriorly. These are three separate inflow/outflow-related structures, not three equivalent vessels.
Overview
Beyond the gastroduodenal origin, the hepatic arterial continuation ascends toward the porta hepatis. Usually called the proper hepatic artery, it accompanies the bile duct and portal vein before distributing right and left hepatic branches.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually the continuation of the common hepatic artery after its gastroduodenal branch.
- Course
- Ascends in the hepatoduodenal ligament, generally left of the bile duct and anterior to the portal vein.
- Branches
- Usually divides into right and left hepatic arteries; the right commonly gives cystic supply, and right gastric origin varies.
- Supplies
- Supplies hepatic tissue and the biliary system, with gallbladder supply usually through its right-hepatic/cystic pathway.
- Drains to
- Arterial blood mixes with portal blood in the liver; outflow leaves through hepatic veins to the IVC.
Mnemonic
At the portal pedicle: duct right, artery left, vein deep.
Clinical correlation
Because hepatic arterial and portal venous inflow share the hepatoduodenal ligament, injury in that region can affect both routes. Variant hepatic arteries may follow paths outside the usual arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the proper hepatic artery originate?
Usually the continuation of the common hepatic artery after its gastroduodenal branch.
What does the proper hepatic artery supply?
Supplies hepatic tissue and the biliary system, with gallbladder supply usually through its right-hepatic/cystic pathway.
Where does the proper hepatic artery drain to?
Arterial blood mixes with portal blood in the liver; outflow leaves through hepatic veins to the IVC.
What are the branches of the proper hepatic artery?
Usually divides into right and left hepatic arteries; the right commonly gives cystic supply, and right gastric origin varies.