Chapter 21.3, Problem 13BYGO

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The functional importance of having a hepatic portal system connect capillaries of the intestines to capillaries of the liver.

Introduction:

All the blood flowing from the hepatic digestive tract and the gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen is received by the hepatic portal system. It is known as a portal system because the capillaries of the intestine and other digestive organs are connected to modified liver capillaries. Thus, blood moves through two capillary beds in series before it goes back to the heart. The hepatic portal system includes a vein, a mesenteric inferior vein, a mesenteric superior vein and a gastrosplenic vein. It mainly supplies de-oxidized blood to the liver before it goes back to the heart to be detoxified further.