Anatomy
Name the organ that receives blood from the portal vein.
Liver
Does blood in the portal vein go to or from the liver?
To the liver
What is the liver’s job in the portal system?
To filter, detoxify, and process nutrients in the blood
What does jaundice indicate?
Buildup of bilirubin due to liver dysfunction
How many main veins are in the hepatic portal system?
Five (inferior mesenteric, superior mesenteric, splenic, hepatic portal, hepatic veins)
What vein drains blood from the spleen?
Splenic vein
What type of blood (oxygen-rich or nutrient-rich) does the portal vein carry?
Nutrient-rich Oxygen-poor
Why does blood from the intestines go to the liver before the heart?
So toxins and nutrients can be processed before systemic circulation
What condition is caused by high pressure in the portal vein?
Portal hypertension
True or False: The hepatic portal system is part of systemic circulation.
False (it’s a separate, special circulatory route)
Which two veins merge to form the hepatic portal vein?
Superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein
Trace the blood flow from the small intestine to the liver.
Small intestine → superior mesenteric vein → hepatic portal vein → liver
Name two substances the liver filters.
Toxins, drugs, alcohol, bacteria, or hormones (any two)
Why might someone vomit blood in portal hypertension?
Ruptured esophageal varices (swollen veins in the esophagus)
Which non-digestive organ contributes blood to the portal system?
Spleen
What digestive organ connects to the superior mesenteric vein?
Small intestine
What happens if portal vein flow is blocked?
Pressure increases (portal hypertension); blood backs up into other veins
How does the liver help with nutrient regulation?
It stores glucose as glycogen and releases it as needed
What is a major risk of untreated esophageal varices?
Severe internal bleeding
What’s the difference between the hepatic portal vein and hepatic veins?
Portal vein brings blood to the liver; hepatic veins drain it away to the heart
Which vein carries filtered blood from the liver to the IVC?
Hepatic veins
What structure filters the blood after it enters the liver?
Liver sinusoids (capillary-like vessels in the liver)
What is the role of liver sinusoids in the system?
They allow exchange between blood and liver cells for detoxification and metabolism
This life-threatening complication of portal hypertension involves the rupture of veins in the esophagus.
Esophageal varices
Why is the hepatic portal system called a "second capillary bed"?
Because blood passes through capillaries in the digestive organs, then again in the liver