The study of liver function and diseases requires detailed knowledge o
f the regional anatomy of and surgical approach to the vascular supply
of the liver, The objective of this study was to systematically descr
ibe the regional anatomy of the circulation to the rat liver to facili
tate the planning and performance of future studies of the liver in th
is animal, Twelve adult rats underwent general anesthesia and vivisect
ion of the celiac axis and portal vein using an operating microscope.
The major vessels of these vascular systems were evaluated for their o
rigin, course, relationship with neighboring structures, diameter, and
length. AU vessels were easily visualized by a ventral approach after
mobilization of the intermediate lobe of the liver and its papillary
process. The origin and course of the major vessels are similar to tho
se of humans, and variability in vessel origin was identified in this
small number of animals, Median vessel diameters were between 0.5 and
1 mm (range, 0.25 to 1 mm) for the celiac artery and its branches, and
3 mm for the portal vein (range, 2 to 3 mm). Median vessel length was
between 3 and 7 mm (range, 2 to 8 mm) for the celiac artery and its b
ranches, and 7 mm for the portal vein (range, 4 to 8 mm), The anatomic
description obtained in this study is important for the appropriate s
election of vessels for cannulation or ligation during study design, a
s well as vessel isolation during performance of the study. The diamet
er and length of vessels are important in the selection of appropriate
ly sized catheters and perivascular devices.