What are the branches of the common hepatic artery?

The common hepatic artery is a major blood vessel that supplies the liver, as well as the stomach, duodenum, pancreas, and gallbladder. It is one of the main branches of the celiac trunk, which also gives rise to the splenic artery and the left gastric artery.

The proper hepatic artery and the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) are indeed direct branches of the common hepatic artery. The proper hepatic artery continues to supply the liver, while the GDA branches off to supply the duodenum, pancreatic head, and parts of the stomach. This anatomical relationship emphasizes the significance of the proper hepatic artery and GDA as essential vessels arising from the common hepatic artery, enabling the nourishment and function of several abdominal organs.

In contrast, options that mention the splenic artery, left renal artery, or internal iliac artery are incorrect as they do not branch from the common hepatic artery. The splenic artery, for instance, extends from the celiac trunk directly, while the left renal artery branches from the abdominal aorta, and the internal iliac artery is a major vessel for the pelvis, not related to the supply of the liver or surrounding structures.