Identify, in diagrams and images, the main blood vessels to and from the liver as: hepatic artery, hepatic veins and hepatic portal vein

The main blood vessels to and from the liver include the hepatic artery, hepatic portal vein, and hepatic veins. Here’s a detailed description of each vessel, along with their functions:

1. Hepatic Artery

• Function: The hepatic artery carries oxygenated blood from the aorta to the liver. It supplies approximately 25% of the liver’s blood flow, providing essential oxygen and nutrients for liver function.
• Origin: The hepatic artery branches from the common hepatic artery, which is a branch of the celiac trunk.

2. Hepatic Portal Vein

• Function: The hepatic portal vein transports deoxygenated blood rich in nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and spleen to the liver. This blood contains substances absorbed from digested food that need to be processed by the liver.
• Formation: It is formed by the merging of the splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein, with contributions from the inferior mesenteric vein.

3. Hepatic Veins

• Function: The hepatic veins drain deoxygenated blood from the liver back into the inferior vena cava, which then returns it to the heart. These veins collect blood that has been processed by the liver.
• Structure: There are typically three major hepatic veins (right, middle, and left) that exit the liver.

Diagrams and Images

For visual representations of these vessels, diagrams can typically be found in anatomy textbooks or reputable medical websites. Here are some descriptions of what to look for in diagrams:

• Hepatic Artery: Look for a diagram showing the common hepatic artery branching off from the celiac trunk and leading to the liver.
• Hepatic Portal Vein: Diagrams will illustrate how this vein collects blood from various abdominal organs (like the intestines and spleen) before entering the liver.
• Hepatic Veins: Images will show these veins draining from the liver into the inferior vena cava.

Example Resources for Diagrams

1. Kenhub: This site provides detailed anatomical diagrams showing blood supply to the liver, including labeled images of these vessels.
2. TeachMeAnatomy: Offers comprehensive illustrations of liver anatomy and its vascular supply.
3. Wikipedia: The page on the hepatic portal system includes diagrams that clarify how these vessels connect and function.