Cystic Artery - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x 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 (2026) 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. Frequent questions What is the cystic artery? The cystic artery is a vital artery in the hepatobiliary system that primarily supplies blood to the gallbladder. It usually originates from the right hepatic artery but can have variations in its source. Where does the cystic artery typically arise from? The cystic artery most commonly arises from the right hepatic artery, which is a branch of the hepatic artery proper. However, it can also originate from the hepatic artery proper, common hepatic artery, or gastroduodenal artery. What is the course of the cystic artery? The cystic artery travels inferolaterally through Calot’s triangle, usually passing posterior to the common hepatic duct as it approaches the neck of the gallbladder. At this point, it divides into two branches that supply different surfaces of the gallbladder. What are the branches of the cystic artery and their functions? The cystic artery divides into a superficial (anterior) branch and a deep (posterior) branch at the neck of the gallbladder. The superficial branch supplies the inferior surface, while the deep branch supplies the superior surface of the gallbladder. Why is the cystic artery clinically significant? The cystic artery is clinically important as it is the primary blood supply to the gallbladder, making it crucial during surgical procedures like cholecystectomy. Understanding its anatomy and variations helps prevent complications during such surgeries. Rate This Article