What is segmental liver anatomy based on?

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Segmental liver anatomy is defined by how the portal venous system divides within the liver. In practice, the liver is split into segments according to the branches of the portal vein that supply each portion, with each segment typically having its own portal triad (portal vein, hepatic artery, bile duct) and its drainage served by a specific hepatic vein. The hepatic veins outline the external boundaries between segments, which is why surgical planning focuses on dividing along portal pedicles. Arterial distribution and bile duct patterns follow the portal branches to a degree, but the segmentation itself is anchored in portal vein distribution. Random segmentation has no anatomical or clinical basis.