key term - Hepatic portal vein

Definition

The hepatic portal vein is a blood vessel that carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal organs and spleen to the liver for processing. It plays a crucial role in metabolizing nutrients and detoxifying substances before they enter the general circulation.

Related terms

Liver:

A large organ that processes substances in the blood, produces bile, and stores nutrients.

Bile:

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats in the small intestine.

Gastrointestinal tract: The series of organs that take in food, digest it to extract energy and nutrients, and expel waste