Branches of the hepatic artery in red fox.

In 30 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) the origin, course and division of the branches of the hepatic artery were studied. The hepatic artery gave off 3 following branches: right lateral branch, right medial branch and left one. Most often (60% of cases) they arose as a common trunk. In 60% cases the right lateral branch supplied the right lateral hepatic lobe and caudate process of the liver while in 40% cases it supplied the right lateral hepatic lobe, only. Most often (66.7% of cases), the right medial branch supplied the right medial hepatic lobe and gall bladder. In 30% of cases the branch supplied furthermore the quadrate lobe of the liver and in few cases (3.3%) the both, right medial hepatic lobe and quadrate lobe. Rami of the left branch penetrate the left hepatic lobes, papillary process and quadrate lobe (73.3% of cases) and rarely, the left hepatic lobes and papillary process (26.7% of cases).