The hepatoduodenal ligament (right free margin of lesser omentum) contains the portal triad. From right to left (or anterior to posterior), what is the correct arrangement of structures within the hepatoduodenal ligament?

• A Bile duct (right) — hepatic artery proper (left) — portal vein (posterior) ✓
• B Hepatic artery (right) — bile duct (left) — portal vein (posterior)
• C Portal vein (anterior) — bile duct (right) — hepatic artery (left)
• D Hepatic artery (anterior) — portal vein (middle) — bile duct (posterior)

Explanation

Within the hepatoduodenal ligament (Pringle's maneuver involves compressing this structure), the three structures are arranged as: bile duct (common hepatic/CBD) on the right, hepatic artery proper on the left (with the right hepatic artery often crossing posterior to the common hepatic duct), and the portal vein (largest structure) immediately posterior to both. The mnemonic 'DAVe' (Duct-Artery-Vein from right to left, with Vein posteriorly) summarizes the relationship. This anatomy is critical during laparoscopic cholecystectomy to identify Calot's triangle safely before clipping and dividing the cystic duct and artery.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.