Anatomical Structure and Location of the Arteries of the Liver

Description

Centered in the right upper abdomen, the male liver is rendered with the right lobe dominant and the smaller left lobe extending medially and to the left, with the hepatic parenchyma shown semi-translucent to expose the intrahepatic arterial tree. A large proximal vessel enters at the porta hepatis and divides into right and left hepatic arteries that course superiorly and laterally into segmental and subsegmental branches, tapering toward the periphery beneath the capsule. Arterial branches track alongside portal triads within the liver substance rather than crossing lobar planes indiscriminately. Fine terminal arterioles form a dense red network. Arterial anatomy matters here because the liver’s dual inflow can mislead learners into underestimating the hepatic artery, yet hepatic artery patency is the determinant of biliary viability and a frequent point of failure after transplantation. Segmental branching patterns guide selective hepatic arterial embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma and help explain complications such as post-embolization biliary ischemia or hepatic abscess when arterial supply is compromised. Small variants have big consequences. Use this plate for teaching hepatic segments and porta hepatis relationships in gross anatomy, hepatobiliary surgery, and interventional radiology modules, and for figures in manuscripts discussing hepatic artery thrombosis, arterial reconstruction, or lobar and segmental catheter positioning. It also fits patient education on why embolization targets arterial feeders rather than portal venous flow. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.