Right hepatic artery
Arteria hepatica dextra
- Latin synonym: Ramus dexter arteriae hepaticae propriae
- Synonym: Right branch of proper hepatic artery
- Related terms: Right branch
Definition
The right hepatic artery (RHA) is a branch of the proper hepatic artery that supplies blood to the right lobe of the liver. It typically arises from the proper hepatic artery, which itself is a branch of the common hepatic artery originating from the celiac trunk.
The right hepatic artery courses through the hepatoduodenal ligament, typically passing posterior to the common hepatic duct (forming part of Calot's triangle along with the cystic duct and the inferior surface of the liver). It then enters the right lobe of the liver at the porta hepatis.
Key Anatomical Features
It gives off the cystic artery, which supplies the gallbladder, most commonly arising from the RHA within Calot's triangle.
It supplies segments V, VI, VII, and VIII of the liver (the right hepatic lobe).
It typically runs posterior to the common hepatic duct before entering the liver parenchyma.
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