The cystic artery is an artery of the hepatobiliary system in the abdominal region. It most commonly arises from the right hepatic artery and provides the main arterial supply to the gallbladder. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The cystic artery usually originates from the right hepatic artery – a branch of the hepatic artery proper. There are frequent variations in origin: the cystic artery may instead arise from the hepatic artery proper, common hepatic artery, or the gastroduodenal artery. After its formation, it travels inferolaterally through Calot’s triangle. It typically passes posterior to the common hepatic duct as it courses towards the neck of the gallbladder. At the neck, the cystic artery divides into two terminal branches which anastomose over the body of the gallbladder: Superficial (anterior) branch – supplies the inferior surface of the gallbladder. Deep (posterior) branch – supplies the superior surface of the gallbladder. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 1Arterial supply to the gallbladder via the cystic artery. Adapted from work by Journal of Minimal Access Surgery [CC BY 4.0] Fig 2The borders and major contents of Calot’s triangle. Supply The cystic artery is the primary blood supply to the gallbladder. Superficial (anterior) branch – supplies the inferior surface of the gallbladder. Deep (posterior) branch – supplies the superior surface of the gallbladder. Rate This Article