intrahepatic

/ IN-truh-heh-PA-tik /adjective

Meaning of intrahepatic: Intrahepatic means located or occurring within the liver.

Definition of intrahepatic

Intrahepatic describes a structure, process, lesion, or treatment located inside the liver. The word is used for branches of the bile ducts and blood vessels as well as tumors, stones, pressure, and procedures. It specifies location and does not by itself indicate whether a finding is benign, malignant, congenital, or acquired.

How intrahepatic is built

intra hepat ic intrahepatic
  • intra- Prefix · Latin within, inside
  • hepat/o Combining form · Greek liver
  • -ac, -al, -ar, -ary, -eal, -ic Suffix · Greek and Latin pertaining to, relating to

A medical term is read from its ending backwards: the suffix first, then the prefix, then the root. See all 223 word parts.

Also known as

within the liver

Used in a sentence

Imaging showed dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts.

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Good to know

Intrahepatic bile ducts lie within the liver and join into larger ducts; extrahepatic bile ducts are outside the liver. This distinction can affect how hepatobiliary conditions are described and treated.

Word origin

Where “intrahepatic” comes from

Formed from intra-, meaning “within,” and hepatic, meaning “relating to the liver.”

For learning, not diagnosis. This glossary provides general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you may be experiencing a medical emergency, contact local emergency services.