Hepatic vein

Hepatic vein

The Hepatic vein is a blood vessel that carries oxygen-depleted blood from the liver back to the heart. It is a major part of the circulatory system and plays a crucial role in the body's metabolism.

Anatomy

The hepatic vein is located in the upper right part of the abdomen, within the liver. It is divided into three main branches: the right hepatic vein, the middle hepatic vein, and the left hepatic vein. These branches drain blood from the corresponding lobes of the liver.

Function

The primary function of the hepatic vein is to transport deoxygenated blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava, which then carries the blood to the heart. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile to aid in digestion, and storing glucose for energy. After these processes, the deoxygenated blood is returned to the heart via the hepatic vein.

Diseases and Conditions

Several diseases and conditions can affect the hepatic vein, including Hepatic Vein Thrombosis (HVT), a rare condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the hepatic vein, blocking blood flow. This can lead to serious complications such as Budd-Chiari syndrome, liver damage, and even liver failure.

Treatment

Treatment for conditions affecting the hepatic vein depends on the specific condition and its severity. For example, Hepatic Vein Thrombosis may be treated with anticoagulant medications to dissolve the blood clot, or in severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

See Also

• Liver
• Inferior vena cava
• Circulatory system
• Hepatic Vein Thrombosis
• Budd-Chiari syndrome

References

Hepatic vein Resources
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