Interlobular veins

Diagram of the liver showing the interlobular veins.

The interlobular veins are small veins located within the liver. They are part of the hepatic portal system and play a crucial role in the drainage of blood from the liver lobules.

Anatomy

The interlobular veins are found in the portal triad, which is a distinctive arrangement of vessels and ducts in the liver. Each portal triad consists of a branch of the hepatic artery, a branch of the portal vein, and a bile duct. The interlobular veins are branches of the portal vein and are responsible for collecting blood from the sinusoids of the liver lobules.

Function

The primary function of the interlobular veins is to drain deoxygenated blood from the liver lobules into the larger hepatic veins, which then carry the blood to the inferior vena cava. This process is essential for the removal of metabolic waste products and the regulation of blood composition.

Clinical Significance

Disorders affecting the interlobular veins can lead to significant liver pathology. Conditions such as portal hypertension can result in increased pressure within these veins, leading to complications like ascites and varices.

Related Pages

• Liver
• Hepatic portal system
• Portal vein
• Hepatic veins
• Portal hypertension