Function of the Hepatic Portal System
The function of Hepatic Portal Systems is:
- At first, the nutrients are processed by the liver, which also controls the quantity of nutrients that can reach the circulation. For example, the liver stores extra glucose as glycogen when it surges after a meal due to the breakdown of carbohydrates.
- During a fast, the body changes glycogen back into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. In other words, the liver prevents excessive fluctuations in blood sugar levels by maintaining a balance.
- The liver is another organ where the free amino acids from digesting proteins are utilized to create new proteins and pro-enzymes.
- Excess amino acids are broken down to urea to be eliminated from waste or transformed into other energy-storing molecules, both of which can be hazardous.
- This brings us to the second function of the liver as a detoxification organ. The liver screens the blood for potentially toxic substances and pathogens and removes them before they can reach the rest of the body.
Hepatic Portal System
In the Hepatic Portal System, the blood is transferred from abdominal organs directly to the liver through a network of veins. As a result, chemicals ingested from the digestive tract are initially accessible to the liver. These organs include the lower esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder. The hepatic portal vein is the largest vessel of the hepatic portal system. It is formed by the union of the splenic and superior mesenteric veins. The splenic vein drains the spleen, pancreas, and portions of the large intestine.
Table of Content
- What is a Portal System?
- What is the Hepatic Portal System?
- Veins that make up the Hepatic Portal System
- Anatomy of the Hepatic Portal System
- Hepatic Portal System Diagram
- Function of the Hepatic Portal System
- Significance Of Hepatic Portal System
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