Portal system

Portal system is a part of the circulatory system that carries blood from one organ to another without first returning it to the heart. The most significant portal systems in the human body are the hepatic portal system and the hypophyseal portal system.

Hepatic portal system[edit | edit source]

The hepatic portal system is a series of veins that carry blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This system allows the liver to process and detoxify substances in the blood before it returns to the heart. The main vein in this system is the hepatic portal vein, which is formed by the union of the splenic vein and the superior mesenteric vein.

Hypophyseal portal system[edit | edit source]

The hypophyseal portal system is a network of blood vessels that carry hormones from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary gland. This system allows the hypothalamus to control the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. The main vessels in this system are the superior hypophyseal artery, the portal veins, and the inferior hypophyseal artery.

Other portal systems[edit | edit source]

Other portal systems in the human body include the renal portal system in some vertebrates and the insect circulatory system.

See also[edit | edit source]

Portal system Resources
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