Central vein

Central Vein

Illustration of the central vein from Gray's Anatomy

The central vein is a significant component of the circulatory system, specifically within the liver. It is responsible for draining blood from the liver's lobules into the hepatic vein.

Structure

The central vein is located in the center of a classic liver lobule. It receives blood from the hepatic sinusoids, which are small blood vessels that lead to the central vein. The central vein then drains into the hepatic vein, which eventually leads to the inferior vena cava.

Function

The primary function of the central vein is to drain deoxygenated blood from the liver and transport it back to the heart. This process is crucial for the body's metabolic functions and the detoxification processes that the liver performs.

Clinical significance

Understanding the structure and function of the central vein is essential in diagnosing and treating liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. It can also be significant in the study of liver transplantation and liver cancer.

See also

• Hepatic vein
• Liver
• Circulatory system

External links

• Central Vein at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)