Objective  To observe the morphological characteristics and branch distribution of the primary branch of portal vein in the liver, and provide more detailed anatomical and imaging data for the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.   Methods  One hundred adults without liver illness scaned by 64-MSCT enhanced scaner data of hepatic portal vein, were reconstructed by GE ADW 4.5 workstation with CT. Combined with 50 cases of adult human without pathological cadaveric liver, the hepatic portal vein was anatomy stripped. The branching rules of hepatic portal vein were observed and compared, and relevant data were collected for statistical analysis.   Results  Image reconstruction and gross anatomy of the internal diameter of the portal vein at the first hepatic portal were (11.20±1.48) mm and (10.86±2.01) mm, respectively. The angles of the left and right branches were (93.58±24.03)° and (105.59±13.82)°; the length of pars transverses on the left stems were (29.50±6.51) mm and (23.90±5.29) mm, and the midpoint inner diameter were (7.70±1.55) mm and (7.43±1.09) mm, respectively; the right branch trunk length were (21.77±10.35) mm and (20.63±6.59) mm; the inner diameter of the midpoint were (9.10±1.66) mm and (9.26±1.77) mm, respectively. According to the branch of the hepatic portal vein, it could be divided into 4 types.   Conclusion  The variation of hepatic portal vein is not uncommon. There are certain changes in the diameter and angle of the branches. When the liver surgery is performed, the main branches of the portal vein should be given high attention.