The innervation of the liver is provided by the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system:

The parasympathetic innervation happens via the anterior and posterior vagal trunks of the vagus nerve (CN X).
The sympathetic innervation comes from the greater splanchnic nerves that originate in the thoracic segments T5/6 to T9/10 of the spinal cord. They synapse at the celiac ganglia and then give off postganglionic fibers.

The nerves from the right and left celiac ganglia and the left vagus nerve form the anterior hepatic plexus. It travels along the course of the hepatic artery and forms a sheath around it. The anterior plexus also supplies the gallbladder and cystic duct.

In contrast, the right celiac ganglion and the right vagus nerve form the posterior hepatic plexus. It runs and ramifies around the main hepatic portal vein. The fibers of the united hepatic plexuses enter the liver through the porta hepatis and reach hepatocytes, running along the vessels of the portal triads.

Unlock with Premium

Innervation of liver