Hepatic portal vein

Hepatic portal vein is a blood vessel that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen to the liver. This blood contains nutrients and toxins extracted from digested contents. This vein is part of the portal venous system.

Structure

The hepatic portal vein is formed by the union of the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein behind the neck of the pancreas. It ascends to the right, passes behind the first part of the duodenum and enters the right side of the lesser omentum. It then ascends in front of the foramen of Winslow and behind the first part of the duodenum to the porta hepatis, where it divides into right and left terminal branches.

Function

The hepatic portal vein plays a crucial role in carrying blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. The blood it carries is rich in the nutrients and toxins that have been extracted from the digested contents. This allows the liver to process these nutrients and toxins before they reach the rest of the body.

Clinical significance

The hepatic portal vein can be affected by various medical conditions. For instance, portal hypertension is a condition characterized by increased pressure in the portal vein. This can lead to the development of esophageal varices, which can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. Another condition that can affect the hepatic portal vein is portal vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the portal vein.

See also

• Portal venous system
• Superior mesenteric vein
• Splenic vein
• Portal hypertension
• Esophageal varices
• Portal vein thrombosis

References

Hepatic portal vein Resources
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