The Common Hepatic Artery: Essential Anatomy and Digestive Function
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer
The common hepatic artery is a small artery in the upper abdomen, branching from the celiac trunk. [1] It delivers oxygenated blood to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, and duodenum. [1] [2] About 38 millimeters long and 5.5 millimeters wide, it divides into the gastroduodenal artery and the proper hepatic artery. [1] Narrowing or blood clots can occur, particularly after liver transplant surgery. [1]
What the research says
It usually arises from the celiac trunk, but not always. In a CT angiography study of 73 patients, the common hepatic artery arose from the celiac trunk in 93.2%, from the superior mesenteric artery in 5.5% and from the aorta in 1.4%, with a median diameter of 5.55 mm at its origin. (Gliwa et al., Folia Morphol, 2025) [2]
Variation in the hepatic arteries is common. A meta-analysis of 85 studies (47,732 patients) found typical hepatic artery anatomy in 69.96% of cases and variant anatomy in 30.04%, with the right hepatic artery the most commonly varying vessel (pooled prevalence 11.38%). (Balcerzak et al., Ann Anat, 2025) [3]
Clotting of the hepatic artery is a recognized risk after liver transplantation. In a meta-analysis of 20 studies comparing living-donor and deceased-donor liver transplants, hepatic artery thrombosis occurred in 3.8% of living-donor versus 1.6% of deceased-donor recipients (odds ratio 2.20, 95% CI 1.53–3.17). (Giri et al., J Clin Exp Hepatol, 2025) [4]
The complex network of blood vessels in the human abdomen ensures that every organ receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Among these, the common hepatic artery stands out for its specific role in supporting the digestive system. By providing a dedicated supply of oxygen-rich blood, it enables the liver and surrounding organs to process the food we eat and maintain metabolic balance.
Where is the common hepatic artery, and what is its structure?
The common hepatic artery is situated in the upper belly, below the ribcage and above the belly button. [1] It is one of three major branches that emerge from the celiac trunk, which itself is a primary offshoot of the abdominal aorta—the body’s largest artery. [1]
From its origin, the artery travels toward the right side of the body, running along the superior border of the pancreas. [1] Once it reaches the duodenum, it branches out to reach its target organs.
What role does the common hepatic artery play in digestion?
The primary purpose of the common hepatic artery is to nourish the digestive organs. Unlike the portal vein, which carries nutrient-rich but oxygen-poor blood to the liver for processing, the hepatic artery provides the high-oxygen supply necessary for the liver’s own cellular health.
Interestingly, the common hepatic artery accounts for only about 25% of the liver’s total blood supply, with the remaining 75% arriving via the portal vein. [1] However, the oxygen it provides is critical for the liver to perform its many tasks, including detoxification and bile production.
Liver Support: Delivers oxygenated blood to the right and left lobes.
Gastric Health: Supplies blood to parts of the stomach through its branches.
Pancreatic Function: Contributes to the blood supply of the pancreas.
Intestinal Nourishment: Feeds the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine.
What are the major branches and variations of the common hepatic artery?
As the common hepatic artery approaches the digestive organs, it divides into two primary branches that further specialize in blood delivery.
Gastroduodenal Artery: This branch travels downward, passing behind the duodenum. It is responsible for supplying blood to the duodenum, the pancreas, and the lower section of the stomach. [1]
Proper Hepatic Artery: This branch ascends toward the liver hilum (the entry point). It typically gives rise to the right gastric artery and eventually splits into the right and left hepatic arteries to serve the different lobes of the liver. [1]
Anatomical variations are relatively common. In some individuals, the common hepatic artery may originate from the superior mesenteric artery or directly from the aorta rather than the celiac trunk. [1] [2] While these differences rarely impact daily health, they are crucial for surgeons to identify before performing abdominal procedures. [2]
What conditions affect the common hepatic artery?
Most individuals will never be aware of their common hepatic artery unless a specific medical condition arises. The most common issues involve the narrowing of the vessel (stenosis) or the formation of blood clots (thrombosis). These conditions are most frequently seen as complications following liver transplant surgery.
Condition | Description | Potential Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
Arterial Stenosis | A narrowing of the artery that restricts blood flow. | May cause no symptoms if enough blood still flows; if flow drops too low: upper right abdominal pain, fever, jaundice. |
Thrombosis | The formation of a blood clot within the artery. | If blood flow drops too low: upper right abdominal pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), reduced organ function. |
Diagnosis of these conditions relies on advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays with contrast, CT scans, or MRIs. If blood flow is significantly compromised, medical procedures or surgery may be required to restore the supply and prevent organ damage. [1]
Conclusion
The common hepatic artery is a cornerstone of abdominal health, ensuring that the liver and digestive system have the oxygen required to process nutrients and eliminate waste. While its anatomical variations are a fascinating example of human diversity, its functional stability is vital for overall metabolic wellbeing. Recognizing the symptoms of arterial issues and seeking prompt medical attention can help maintain the health of this essential vascular pathway.
Next Steps for Health
If you are scheduled for abdominal surgery, particularly involving the liver or pancreas, your medical team will likely perform imaging to map your specific arterial anatomy. [1] For those recovering from a liver transplant, regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor for signs of stenosis or thrombosis. If you experience sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen accompanied by fever or yellowing of the skin, seek immediate medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the common hepatic artery?
The common hepatic artery is a major blood vessel in the abdomen that provides oxygen-rich blood to the liver and other digestive organs.
2. Where does the common hepatic artery start?
The common hepatic artery branches from the celiac trunk, which is an offshoot of the abdominal aorta.
3. Which organs does it supply?
The common hepatic artery supplies the liver, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, and the duodenum.
4. How long is the common hepatic artery?
The median length reported by Cleveland Clinic is approximately 38 millimeters, or about 1.5 inches.
5. How wide is the common hepatic artery?
The common hepatic artery has a median width of about 5.5 millimeters, similar to three bundled strands of spaghetti.
6. What are the two main branches of this artery?
The two main branches are the gastroduodenal artery and the proper hepatic artery.
7. Does the common hepatic artery provide all the liver’s blood?
No, it provides about 25% of the blood supply; the remaining 75% comes from the portal vein.
8. What is the difference between the hepatic artery and the portal vein?
The hepatic artery carries oxygen-rich blood for nourishment, while the portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood for processing.
9. What is arterial stenosis?
Arterial stenosis is the medical term for the narrowing of an artery, which can reduce blood flow to organs.
10. What is thrombosis?
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel.
11. When are these arterial problems most common?
Common hepatic artery problems are most frequently seen as complications following a liver transplant.
12. What are the symptoms of low blood flow in this artery?
If blood flow drops too low, symptoms can include upper right abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
13. Are anatomical variations common?
Yes, the artery can start in different locations or have different branching patterns in many people.
14. Why do surgeons need to know about these variations?
Surgeons must know the exact layout of blood vessels to avoid accidental injury during operations on the liver or pancreas.
15. How are hepatic artery conditions diagnosed?
Doctors use imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or X-rays with contrast to visualize the artery.
Related Reading
Celiac Trunk: Anatomy, Digestive Function, and Vascular Health describes the main artery that the common hepatic artery branches from.
The Human Liver: Anatomy, Function, and Vital Health Insights explains the organ this artery helps supply with blood.
Portal Vein: Anatomy, Function, Conditions and Testing covers the vein that brings blood from the gut to the liver.
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS): Symptoms, Causes, and What Treatment Really Involves explains a condition where a ligament squeezes the celiac artery.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Common Hepatic Artery: Anatomy & Function. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated February 11, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/common-hepatic-artery
Gliwa J, et al. The anatomy of the common hepatic artery: a computed tomography angiography analysis. Folia Morphologica. Published online November 2025. PMID 41257503. https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.107749
Balcerzak A, et al. The hepatic arterial system variations: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Annals of Anatomy. 2025;263:152752. PMID 41192686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152752
Giri S, et al. Comparison of Vascular Complications Between Living-donor and Deceased-donor Liver Transplantation - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology. 2025;15(1):102414. PMID 39494314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jceh.2024.102414
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
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