Porta hepatis

Porta Hepatis

The Porta Hepatis, also known as the transverse fissure of the liver, is a short but deep fissure, about 5 cm long, extending transversely beneath the left portion of the right lobe of the liver, nearer its posterior surface than its anterior border. It is a gateway to the liver through which the hepatic artery proper, the portal vein, and the common hepatic duct pass.

Structure

The Porta Hepatis is a deep fissure in the liver through which all the vessels and ducts that supply or drain the liver pass. It is located on the visceral surface of the liver, which is in contact with the lesser omentum. The structures that pass through the Porta Hepatis are, from anterior to posterior: the hepatic artery proper, the portal vein, and the common hepatic duct.

Hepatic Artery Proper

The hepatic artery proper is a branch of the common hepatic artery. It supplies oxygenated blood to the liver. It usually gives off a small artery, the artery to the gallbladder, before entering the Porta Hepatis.

Portal Vein

The portal vein is formed by the union of the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein. It carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Common Hepatic Duct

The common hepatic duct is formed by the union of the right and left hepatic ducts. It carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and duodenum.

Clinical Significance

The Porta Hepatis is a critical structure in liver surgery. Its location and the structures that pass through it must be carefully considered in surgical planning. Diseases that affect the Porta Hepatis can disrupt the flow of blood and bile in the liver, leading to serious complications.

See Also

• Liver
• Hepatic artery
• Portal vein
• Common hepatic duct