Glissonian

Glissonian is a term used in anatomy and hepatobiliary surgery referring to structures and concepts named after the 17th‑century anatomist Franciscus (Frans) Glisson. The term is most often encountered in discussions of the liver and its periportal connective tissue, highlighting a distinct pattern of tissue investment around the hepatic triads.

Glisson's capsule, also known as the Glissonian capsule or Glissonian sheath, describes the perivascular connective-tissue envelope that surrounds the portal triads as they enter the liver at the porta hepatis. This sheath contains the hepatic artery proper, the portal vein, and the bile duct within a fibrous sleeve, and extends with the periportal connective tissue into the liver parenchyma. The concept emphasizes the organized, segmental layout of hepatic inflow and biliary structures.

In surgical practice, the Glissonian concept underpins the use of Glissonian pedicles. These are bundles of structures (artery, portal vein, and bile duct) encased within the Glissonian sheath that supply specific liver segments or sections. The Glissonian approach or pedicle technique aims to isolate and control these pedicles to perform anatomic segmentectomies or lobectomies, often aligning resections with the liver’s segmental anatomy rather than solely with external lobar boundaries.

The term is primarily used in anatomy and hepatobiliary surgery and serves to honor Glisson’s early contributions to hepatic structure and regional vascular and biliary organization.