The unique vascular connection between the digestive tract and liver is called the hepatic portal system.


The hepatic portal system is a specialized part of the circulatory system that allows blood to flow from the digestive organs to the liver before returning to the heart. It is responsible for carrying nutrient-rich blood from the digestive tract to the liver for processing and detoxification.


The hepatic portal system consists of the following components:

1. Hepatic Portal Vein: The hepatic portal vein is a large blood vessel that carries blood from the digestive organs, such as the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, to the liver. It collects blood rich in digested nutrients, toxins, and other substances absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Liver Sinusoids: The hepatic portal vein branches out into smaller vessels called liver sinusoids. These sinusoids are a network of capillaries located within the liver. They allow the exchange of substances between the blood and liver cells.

3. Hepatic Veins: After passing through the liver sinusoids, the blood is collected by the hepatic veins. These veins carry the processed blood out of the liver and return it to the general circulation, ultimately reaching the heart.


The hepatic portal system performs several important functions, including:

1. Nutrient Processing: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing and storing nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract. The hepatic portal system delivers these nutrients to the liver for processing and distribution to the rest of the body.

2. Detoxification: The liver filters and detoxifies substances absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, such as drugs, toxins, and metabolic waste products. The hepatic portal system allows these substances to be processed and eliminated efficiently.

3. Regulation of Blood Glucose Levels: The liver helps regulate blood glucose levels by storing excess glucose as glycogen or converting glycogen back into glucose when needed. The hepatic portal system ensures that the liver receives a constant supply of glucose from digested carbohydrates.

In conclusion, the hepatic portal system is a unique vascular connection between the digestive tract and liver that plays a crucial role in nutrient processing, detoxification, and regulation of blood glucose levels.

Hepatic portal system is a specialised system that connects the digestive tract with the liver.