What is hepatic hilum?

The hepatic hilum is a concave depression on the inferior aspect of the liver where vessels, nerves, and bile ducts enter and exit the organ. It is located on the right side of the body, just below the diaphragm.

Structures passing through the hepatic hilum:

- Hepatic artery: Supplies oxygenated blood to the liver.

- Portal vein: Carries deoxygenated blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver.

- Hepatic veins: Carry oxygenated blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava.

- Common hepatic duct: Carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum.

- Lymph Vessels: Drain lymph from the liver.

- Nerves: Autonomic nerves that control the functions of the liver.