Branching pattern variations of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery in a 72-year-old white female cadaver

Variations in the branching patterns of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery occur frequently. Detailed knowledge of anatomical variations of the abdominal arterial supply is important for the outcome of abdominal organ surgical intervention, abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs, liver resections, oncologic evaluations and chemoembolization of hepatic tumors. Familiarity with such variations is equally important for instructors teaching anatomy to students in the various medical disciplines. Case studies highlighting such vascular variations provide anatomical instructors and surgeons with accurate information on the types and prevalence of such alterations. This article highlights branching pattern variations of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery involving the left and right hepatic arteries of a 72-year-old White Female cadaver. The left hepatic artery was one of the branches of the celiac trunk instead of the common hepatic artery, and the right hepatic artery was a branch of the superior mesenteric artery.