Chapter 20.7, Problem 22AYLO

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The hepatic portal system and its tributaries: the splenic vein; the pancreatic, inferior mesenteric, and superior mesenteric veins draining into it; continuation of the splenic vein as the hepatic portal vein; the cystic vein and gastric veins draining into the hepatic portal vein; hepatic sinusoids in the liver; and hepatic veins.

Introduction:

The veins are afferent vessels of the cardiovascular system; they carry deoxygenated blood from the organs to the heart. They are also called as capacitance vessels, as they have a flaccid and thin wall. When compared with arteries, they accommodate 64% more volume of blood. The veins have low blood pressure than arteries and have a steady blood flow.