Question

Explain the advantage the body gains by having the blood go through the hepatic portal system.

   Explain the advantage the body gains by having the blood go through the hepatic portal system.

The Human Body in Health and Disease

The Human Body in Health and Disease

Kevin T. Patton,… 6th Edition

Chapter 19, Problem 22

Instant Answer

Step 1

The hepatic portal system is a network of veins that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This system is unique because it directs blood from one capillary bed (in the intestines) to another capillary bed (in the liver) before Show more…

Show all steps

lock

Thanks for your feedback!

Explain the advantage the body gains by having the blood go through the hepatic portal system.

Play audio

Feedback

Powered by NumerAI

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

First-Pass Metabolism

First-pass metabolism is the process where substances, including medications and toxins, are significantly metabolized in the liver before reaching systemic circulation. This mechanism minimizes potential damage from toxins and optimizes the effectiveness and safety of various ingested compounds.

Nutrient Metabolism

Nutrient metabolism involves the processing, storage, and distribution of nutrients derived from food. The hepatic portal system ensures that the liver, a central organ in maintaining metabolic homeostasis, is the first to metabolize these nutrients, which allows for efficient regulation of blood sugar, fats, and proteins.

Hepatic Portal System

The hepatic portal system is a unique network of blood vessels that directs nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver before it enters the general circulation. This routing allows the liver to have first access to substances absorbed from digested food, enabling it to regulate and process these compounds effectively.

Liver Detoxification

Liver detoxification refers to the liver's ability to filter and neutralize harmful substances that have been ingested or produced during metabolism. By receiving blood directly from the digestive organs, the liver can quickly act on toxins, reducing their harmful effects on the rest of the body.

Recommended Videos

Ace is your personal tutor. It breaks down any question with clear steps so you can learn.

Start Using Ace

Continue solving this problem

Create a free account to:

View full step-by-step solution
Ask follow-up questions with Ace AI
Save progress and study later