SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE CELIAC ARTERY AND PORTAL-VEIN OF THE RAT

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.