Figure 3-20
Liver, inferior aspect, showing important structures.

Figure 3-21
Lesser omentum between liver, stomach, and duodenum.

Figure 3-22
Gallbladder and associated ducts.

Figure 3-23
Important arteries deep to lesser omentum.

Return to the liver and identify the gallbladder on the inferior (visceral) surface of the liver.

On the inferior aspect of the liver find the "doorway" to the liver: the porta hepatis. Three important structures are entering and leaving the liver's doorway:

• hepatic artery
• portal vein
• hepatic bile ducts

These three structures are "sandwiched" between the two peritoneal layers near the free margin of the lesser omentum . The lesser omentum connects the lesser curvature of the stomach to the inferior surface of the liver. (Figure 3-21)

On the right free edge of the lesser omentum, look for the common bile duct. Verify that this duct runs from the duodenum and connects with the cystic duct, opening into the gallbladder. (Figure 3-22)

From the intersection of the cystic duct with the common bile duct, follow the bile passages towards the liver. This passage becomes the common hepatic duct, which soon splits into left and right hepatic ducts. (Figure 3-22)

Just to the left of the common bile duct, find the hepatic artery. Recognize this as one of two branches, the gastroduodenal being the other branch of the common hepatic artery arising from the celiac trunk. (Figure 3-23)