FOUNDATIONAL TERM
Portal vein
门静脉
A vein delivering blood from digestive and related organs to the liver.
Study this concept in context
15 · How the liver processes nutrients, drugs and metabolites
The liver processes nutrients, synthesises proteins, transforms foreign compounds and secretes bile. Calling it a detox organ obscures its regulatory functions and can misrepresent drug metabolism.
Sources
- OpenStax: accessory organs in digestion the liver pancreas and gallbladder
- OpenStax: carbohydrate metabolism
- OpenStax: lipid metabolism
- OpenStax: protein metabolism
- NIDDK: Definition and facts for cirrhosis
- FDA: Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don’t Mix
Definitions come from the published lessons. Read the linked lesson for mechanisms, conditions and examples.