Hepatic portal system
Hepatic Portal System
The Hepatic Portal System (pronunciation: heh-PAT-ick POR-tul SIS-tem) is a major part of the circulatory system that is responsible for directing blood from parts of the gastrointestinal tract to the liver.
Etymology
The term "hepatic" is derived from the Greek word "hepar", meaning liver, while "portal" in this context is used in the sense of a gateway or entrance. The system is so named because it serves as a 'portal' through which blood is transported to the liver.
Function
The primary function of the Hepatic Portal System is to deliver blood from the spleen, stomach, pancreas, and intestines to the liver. This blood is rich in nutrients and other substances absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The liver then processes these substances, either storing them for later use, converting them into more useful forms, or detoxifying potentially harmful compounds.
Structure
The Hepatic Portal System is composed of the hepatic portal vein and its tributaries. The hepatic portal vein is formed by the union of the splenic vein and the superior mesenteric vein. It also receives blood from the inferior mesenteric vein, gastric veins, and cystic vein.
Related Terms
- Hepatic portal vein
- Liver
- Circulatory system
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Spleen
- Stomach
- Pancreas
- Intestines
- Splenic vein
- Superior mesenteric vein
- Inferior mesenteric vein
- Gastric veins
- Cystic vein
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hepatic portal system
- Wikipedia's article - Hepatic portal system
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