Hepatic artery

A vital blood vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the liver.

The hepatic artery is a critical blood vessel that branches off from the celiac trunk, providing a significant portion of the liver's blood supply. It carries oxygenated blood from the aorta, ensuring the liver receives the nutrients and oxygen necessary for its numerous functions. In most individuals, the hepatic artery supplies about 30% of the liver's total blood flow, with the remainder provided by the portal vein.

Terminologia Anatomica

arteria hepatica

System

Circulatory system

Function

The primary function of the hepatic artery is to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the liver, which is essential for the organ's metabolic, synthetic, and detoxifying activities. The liver plays a central role in metabolizing nutrients, synthesizing proteins, and filtering toxins from the bloodstream. This blood also supplies the liver with necessary elements for energy production and contributes to the formation of biochemical substances that facilitate digestion and nutrient absorption. Furthermore, the hepatic artery is involved in delivering blood to the gallbladder and pancreas, whereby it aids in the metabolic interactions between these organs, thus playing a pivotal role in the overall digestive system.

Location

The hepatic artery originates from the celiac trunk, which is a major arterial vessel that branches off from the abdominal aorta. It typically arises at a point between the 12th thoracic vertebra and the 1st lumbar vertebra, branching into the left and right hepatic arteries once it reaches the liver's hilum. The left hepatic artery supplies the left lobe of the liver, while the right hepatic artery supplies the right lobe. The precise positioning of the hepatic artery can vary slightly among individuals, but it generally courses along the superior margin of the pancreas before entering the liver's vascular structures.

Did You Know?

The hepatic artery is part of a dual blood supply system for the liver, which also includes the portal vein that carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestine.
The blood from the hepatic artery is essential for maintaining the liver's health, as it supplies approximately 30% of its blood flow but is critical for delivering oxygen.
Conditions such as hepatic artery stenosis or occlusion can have significant impacts on liver function, necessitating the importance of its health in medical evaluations.