The hepatoduodenal ligament forms the anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen (foramen of Winslow). Which three structures run within the hepatoduodenal ligament, from right to left?
- A Portal vein (posterior), hepatic artery (left), common bile duct (right)
- B Cystic duct (right), right hepatic artery (left), portal vein (posterior)
- C Portal vein (anterior), hepatic artery (right), common hepatic duct (posterior)
- D Common bile duct (right), hepatic artery proper (left), portal vein (posterior/between the two) ✓
Explanation
The hepatoduodenal ligament (free edge of lesser omentum, forming the anterior wall of the epiploic foramen) contains three structures in a specific arrangement: the common bile duct (CBD) is on the right side, the hepatic artery proper is on the left side, and the portal vein is posterior (between and behind the other two) — recalled by the mnemonic CBD on right (like a normal anatomical orientation). During cholecystectomy, Pringle's maneuver involves compressing the hepatoduodenal ligament between thumb and index finger to temporarily control portal blood flow to the liver. The right hepatic artery usually courses behind the common hepatic duct.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.