Organ
Common hepatic duct
Hepatic outflow above the cystic duct junction
High-yield
The cystic duct junction defines the change in name from common hepatic to common bile duct. The common hepatic duct also forms the medial boundary of the hepatocystic triangle.
Overview
The right and left hepatic drainage systems usually unite near the liver hilum to form the common hepatic duct. It carries bile downward until the cystic duct joins, after which the same pathway is named the common bile duct. Variants of this confluence are common enough to matter in imaging and surgery.
Reference facts
- Location
- Usually between the hepatic duct confluence at the porta hepatis and the cystic duct junction within the hepatoduodenal region.
- Parts
- Right and left ductal inflow converges into the common channel; the distal endpoint is defined by cystic duct entry.
- Blood supply
- Periductal arterial branches, especially from the right hepatic and cystic arterial region.
- Innervation
- Autonomic fibers of the hepatic plexus, including sympathetic and vagal contributions.
- Relations
- Generally anterior to the portal vein and to the right of the hepatic artery; the hilar plate and liver lie superiorly.
- Function
- Conveys hepatic bile toward the distal duct, with possible diversion through the cystic duct into the gallbladder.
Clinical correlation
A perihilar cholangiocarcinoma can obstruct hepatic drainage above the gallbladder's connection. In that arrangement, intrahepatic ducts may enlarge while the gallbladder remains undistended; this pattern is suggestive rather than diagnostic by itself.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the common hepatic duct located?
Usually between the hepatic duct confluence at the porta hepatis and the cystic duct junction within the hepatoduodenal region.
What does the common hepatic duct do?
Conveys hepatic bile toward the distal duct, with possible diversion through the cystic duct into the gallbladder.
What are the parts of the common hepatic duct?
Right and left ductal inflow converges into the common channel; the distal endpoint is defined by cystic duct entry.
What is the blood supply of the common hepatic duct?
The common hepatic duct is supplied by the periductal arterial branches, especially from the right hepatic and cystic arterial region.