MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Выпуск журнала №-24
Часть–3_ Апрель –2025
108
THE PORTAL VEIN OF THE LIVER AND ITS FUNCTIONS
Bozorova Rukhsat Sultanovna
Afshona is a teacher of vocational science at Technical College of Public
Health named after Abu Ali Sino
Narzullayeva Mehriniso Zayniddinovna
Afshona is a teacher of vocational science at Technical College of Public
Health named after Abu Ali Ibn Sina
Abstract: The portal vein plays a critical role in liver physiology by
transporting nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.
This review highlights the anatomy, development, and major functions of the portal
vein, emphasizing its importance in metabolic processes and homeostasis.
Understanding the portal vein is essential for diagnosing and treating hepatic and
systemic diseases.
Keywords: Liver, portal vein, physiology.
Introduction
The liver is a vital organ with a dual blood supply: the hepatic artery and the
portal vein. Unlike the hepatic artery, which delivers oxygenated blood, the portal vein
carries deoxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas,
gallbladder, and spleen. Approximately 75% of the liver’s blood supply comes from
the portal vein, making it a central component of hepatic function.
Anatomy of the Portal Vein
The portal vein is typically formed by the confluence of the
superior
mesenteric vein
and
splenic vein
, posterior to the neck of the pancreas. It ascends
towards the liver and enters through the porta hepatis, where it divides into right and
left branches, supplying corresponding hepatic lobes.
The key tributaries of the portal vein include:
Inferior mesenteric vein
Left and right gastric veins
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Выпуск журнала №-24
Часть–3_ Апрель –2025
109
Cystic vein
Paraumbilical veins
Functions of the Portal Vein
1.
Nutrient Transport
: After digestion, absorbed nutrients such as glucose,
amino acids, and lipids are delivered via the portal vein to the liver for metabolism or
storage.
2.
Detoxification
: The liver removes toxins and drugs from the portal blood
before they can enter systemic circulation.
3.
Immune Surveillance
: The liver acts as an immune organ, filtering
pathogens and antigens from the portal circulation through Kupffer cells.
4.
Hormone Clearance
: The portal vein also carries hormones such as
insulin and glucagon, which are metabolized in the liver.
Clinical Relevance
Disorders of the portal vein, such as
portal hypertension
,
portal vein
thrombosis
, and
congenital anomalies
, can severely impact hepatic and systemic
health. Understanding the portal venous system is crucial in hepatology and
gastroenterology.
Conclusion
The portal vein is a vital structure for maintaining metabolic balance,
detoxification, and immune defense. Its strategic role in directing blood from the
digestive organs to the liver underscores its significance in both health and disease.
REFERENCES
1.
Standring, S. (2020).
Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical
Practice
. 42nd ed. Elsevier Health Sciences.
2.
Sherlock, S., & Dooley, J. (2011).
Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System
. 12th
ed. Wiley-Blackwell. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2018).
Clinically
Oriented Anatomy
. 8th ed. Wolters Kluwer. Kumar, V., Abbas, A. K., & Aster, J. C.
(2020).
Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease
. 10th ed. Elsevier. Goyal, N.,
& Jain, A. (2021). "Portal vein anatomy and its clinical implications."
Journal of
Hepatic Medicine
, 12(3), 155–161.
