The Importance of the Common Hepatic Artery in Liver Function and Health

Common hepatic a.

The common hepatic artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the liver

The common hepatic artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the liver. It is a branch of the celiac trunk, which is a large artery arising from the abdominal aorta.

The common hepatic artery usually originates near the level of the upper border of the body of the pancreas. It then ascends superiorly towards the liver, passing through a small opening in the diaphragm known as the esophageal hiatus. Before reaching the liver, it gives off several branches that play important roles in supplying blood to various abdominal organs.

The first major branch of the common hepatic artery is the proper hepatic artery. This artery usually divides into left and right branches after a short course, each of which further divides into smaller branches that supply blood to the left and right lobes of the liver. These smaller branches then further divide into tiny arterioles known as sinusoids, which deliver blood to the liver cells (hepatocytes).

Another important branch of the common hepatic artery is the gastroduodenal artery. This artery travels towards the stomach and divides into branches that supply blood to the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).

In addition to these main branches, the common hepatic artery also gives off smaller branches to various other structures in the abdominal cavity, including the gallbladder, pancreas, and lesser curvature of the stomach.

Overall, the common hepatic artery is critical for maintaining the liver’s blood supply, which is essential for its normal functioning. It delivers oxygen, nutrients, and other substances required for liver metabolism, as well as removing waste products produced by the liver cells. Any obstruction or impairment in the blood flow through the common hepatic artery can lead to liver dysfunction and potentially serious health problems.

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