Unique origin of the cystic artery

K P P Hlaing1, S S Thwin, N Shwe

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia. khinpapah@gmail.com

Singapore Medical Journal
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study details an unusual origin of the cystic artery (CA) from the middle hepatic artery (MHA) during cadaver dissection. Understanding these arterial variations is crucial for hepatobiliary surgery and interventional radiology.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Vascular Anatomy
  • Surgical Anatomy

Background:

  • The cystic artery (CA) shows known variations in origin and branching patterns.
  • These variations are linked to developmental changes in primitive ventral splanchnic arteries.

Observation:

  • A male cadaver dissection revealed the CA originating from the middle hepatic artery (MHA).
  • The MHA originated from the right hepatic artery, with specific distances noted for both origins.

Findings:

  • The CA originated 1 cm from the MHA's origin and traveled 1.5 cm, branching to the cystic duct.
  • The CA's origin was left of the common hepatic duct, outside Calot's triangle.

Implications:

  • Knowledge of anomalous arterial origins in the hepatobiliary region is vital for surgical procedures.
  • This anatomical understanding aids interventional radiologists in clinical practice.

Related Concept Videos

The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Coronary Circulation01:21

Coronary Circulation

The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Anastomoses01:19

Anastomoses

In human anatomy, anastomosis refers to a connection or opening between two things, particularly between blood vessels or other tubular structures. The term is derived from the Greek term 'anastomosis,' which means 'outlet' or 'opening.' This natural network of connections plays a critical role in the survival and functionality of the human body.
Anastomoses can be formed at arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels.
Arterial Anastomosis: These occur between arteries. They are most common in...
The Aorta01:14

The Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries. Structurally, it can be divided into four main parts: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta.
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...