Inferior Perspective of the Right Hepatic Artery

Description

Arising from the proper hepatic artery within the hepatoduodenal ligament, the right hepatic artery courses laterally and posteriorly toward the right lobe, passing inferior to the porta hepatis before turning superior into the hepatic parenchyma. From an inferior perspective, its relationship to the portal vein (posterior) and common bile duct (anterior and lateral) is implied at the hepatic hilum, with the arterial segment curving toward the right. Small segmental branches may be suggested as the vessel approaches the hepatic plate. Orientation is clear. Right-sided dominance is emphasized. This inferior angle matters because it mirrors the surgeon’s view during open or laparoscopic hepatobiliary work, where the right hepatic artery is a frequent source of hemorrhage and a structure at risk for iatrogenic injury. Variant anatomy is common, including a replaced or accessory right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery, and appreciating its trajectory beneath the porta hepatis helps prevent bile duct devascularization during cholecystectomy and hilar dissection. The course also frames lymphadenectomy planes and safe clip placement around Calot’s triangle when arterial branches run close to the cystic duct and gallbladder neck. Use this asset for gross anatomy instruction on the porta hepatis, hepatobiliary surgery teaching files, and atlas figures addressing hepatic arterial variants and their operative implications. It also supports radiology and interventional content when correlating catheter angiography or CT angiography with surgical anatomy of the right hepatic artery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.