Left Branch of Hepatic Portal Vein
Ramus sinister venae portae hepatis
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: One of two major branches from the hepatic portal vein.
Course: Divides into numerous branches within the left half of the liver.
Branches: Obliterated left umbilical vein, segmental branches to segments I, II, III, and IV of liver.
Supplied Structures: Left half of the liver.
Origin
The left branch of the hepatic portal vein originates from the hepatic portal vein near the hilum of the liver.
Course
The left branch of the hepatic portal vein travels outside the liver for 4–5 cm along the IV segment of the liver. The main branches of the left hepatic portal vein deliver blood to segments I, II, III, and IV. These branches continue to branch into smaller venous branches, which ultimately terminate as portal venules. These portal venules drain into the hepatic sinusoids (Standring, 2016).
Branches
The left branch of the hepatic portal vein gives rise to the obliterated left umbilical vein.
Structures Supplied
The left branch of the hepatic portal vein supplies nutrient-rich venous blood from the digestive tract to the left half of the liver.
List of Clinical Correlates
- Liver transplantation
- Hepatic resection
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41 edn.: Elsevier Limited.
