Answered: What is a portal system? What is the…

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Question

What is a portal system? What is the function of the hepatic portal system?

Expert Solution

Step 1

The muscular cylindrical hollow organs that function to transport the oxygen deficient blood to the heart are defined as blood vessels. In the cardiovascular system, generally, every capillary bed drains the blood in those veins that return to the heart.

Step 2

When the network of capillaries pools into another capillary bed via connection of veins without reaching the heart first, it results in formation of a system that is defined as the portal system. Hence, the portal system comprises the capillary beds and the vessels connecting those capillary beds. Examples of the portal systems include the hepatic portal system and the hypophyseal portal system.
The hepatic portal system can be defined as part of the filtration system of the body which is formed by the association of veins that carry blood from different organs and drain it into the capillaries of the liver. In this, the inferior mesenteric vein, superior mesenteric vein, and the gastro-splenic vein carry blood from different organs and drain it into the hepatic portal vein which supplies to the liver. The primary function of the hepatic portal system is delivering toxins from the GIT (Gastrointestinal tract) to the liver which aid to detoxify the blood before draining it into the heart.