Portal system
Portal system
A portal system (pronounced: /ˈpɔːrtəl ˈsɪstəm/) is a particular series of blood vessels that begins and ends in capillaries. The term is derived from the Latin word porta, meaning gate, and the Greek word systēma, meaning a whole composed of parts.
Structure
The portal system is composed of two consecutive capillary networks connected by a portal vein. The first capillary network, or the primary capillary bed, is where the blood from the heart is first distributed. The blood then travels through the portal vein to the second capillary network, or the secondary capillary bed, before returning to the heart.
Types
There are several types of portal systems in the human body, including the hepatic portal system, the hypophyseal portal system, and the renal portal system.
Hepatic portal system
The hepatic portal system is responsible for directing blood from parts of the gastrointestinal tract to the liver. Nutrients absorbed in the intestines are delivered to the liver for processing before being circulated to the rest of the body.
Hypophyseal portal system
The hypophyseal portal system is part of the body's endocrine system. It carries hormones from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary gland.
Renal portal system
The renal portal system is found in some animals but not in humans. It directs blood from the lower body through the kidneys before returning it to the heart.
Function
The primary function of a portal system is to transport substances directly from one location in the body to another without first returning the blood to the heart. This allows for rapid and direct transportation of hormones, nutrients, and other substances.
Related terms
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Portal system
- Wikipedia's article - Portal system
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