hepatic artery
Quick Summary
The hepatic artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the liver. It is a branch of the celiac artery, which itself originates from the abdominal aorta. While the liver receives about 20% of its blood supply from the hepatic artery, the remaining 80% comes from the portal vein, which carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs. This dual blood supply is crucial for the liver's many metabolic functions. The hepatic artery ensures the liver receives the oxygen it needs to perform these vital tasks.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
human cardiovascular systemThe aorta and its principal branches…the stomach and esophagus; the hepatic artery, which primarily serves the liver; and the splenic artery, which supplies the stomach, pancreas, and spleen.
Read More…the stomach and esophagus; the hepatic artery, which primarily serves the liver; and the splenic artery, which supplies the stomach, pancreas, and spleen.
Read More- human cardiovascular systemPortal system
…the liver comes from the hepatic artery (20 percent) and the portal vein (80 percent); blood leaving the liver flows through the hepatic vein and then empties into the inferior vena cava. The hepatic arterial blood supplies oxygen requirements for the liver. Blood from the abdominal viscera, particularly the intestinal…
Read More…the liver comes from the hepatic artery (20 percent) and the portal vein (80 percent); blood leaving the liver flows through the hepatic vein and then empties into the inferior vena cava. The hepatic arterial blood supplies oxygen requirements for the liver. Blood from the abdominal viscera, particularly the intestinal…
Read More