| Vein: Hepatic portal vein | |
|---|---|
| The portal vein and its tributaries. It is formed by the superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein. Leinal vein is an old term for splenic vein. | |
| Latin | vena portae hepatis |
| Gray's | subject #174 681 |
| Drains from | Gastrointestinal tract, spleen, pancreas |
| Source | splenic vein, superior mesenteric vein |
| Drains to | liver sinusoid |
| MeSH | Portal+Vein |
The hepatic portal vein is not a true vein, because it does not conduct blood directly to the heart. It is a vessel in the abdominal cavity that drains blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to capillary beds in the liver. It is usually formed by the confluence of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins and also receives blood from the inferior mesenteric, gastric, and cystic veins. The hepatic portal vein is a major component of the hepatic portal system, and it is one of only two portal venous systems in the body. The other is the hypophyseal portal system.
Conditions involving the hepatic portal vein cause considerable illness and death. An important example of such a condition is elevated blood pressure in the hepatic portal vein. This condition, called portal hypertension, is a major complication of cirrhosis.
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Measuring approximately 8 cm (3 inches) in adults,[2] the hepatic portal vein is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, originating behind the neck of the pancreas.[3]
In most individuals, the hepatic portal vein is formed by the union of the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein.[4] For this reason, the hepatic portal vein is occasionally called the splenic-mesenteric confluence.[3] Occasionally, the hepatic portal vein also directly communicates with the inferior mesenteric vein, although this is highly variable. Other tributaries of the hepatic portal vein include the cystic and gastric veins.[1]
Immediately before reaching the liver, the portal vein divides into right and left. It ramifies further, forming smaller venous branches and ultimately portal venules. Each portal venule courses alongside a hepatic arteriole and the two vessels form the vascular components of the portal triad. These vessels ultimately empty into the hepatic sinusoids to supply blood to the liver.[1]
The portal venous system has several anastomoses with the systemic venous system. In cases of portal hypertension these anastamoses may become engorged, dilated, or varicosed and subsequently rupture.
Accessory hepatic portal veins are those veins that drain directly into the liver without joining the hepatic portal vein. These include the paraumbilical veins as well as veins of the lesser omentum, falciform ligament, and those draining the gallbladder wall.[3]
The hepatic portal vein and hepatic arteries form the liver's dual blood supply. Approximately 75% of hepatic blood flow is derived from the hepatic portal vein, while the remainder is from the hepatic arteries.[3]
Unlike most veins, the hepatic portal vein does not drain into the heart. Rather, it is part of a portal venous system that delivers venous blood into another capillary system, namely the hepatic sinusoids of the liver. In carrying venous blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver, the hepatic portal vein accomplishes two tasks; namely, it supplies the liver with metabolic substrates and it ensures that substances ingested are first processed by the liver before reaching the systemic circulation. After draining into the liver sinusoids, blood from the liver is drained by the hepatic vein.
Increased blood pressure in the portal vein, called portal hypertension, is a major complication of liver disease, most commonly cirrhosis.[5] Stigmata of portal hypertension include those of chronic liver disease: ascites, esophageal varices, spider nevi, caput medusae, and palmar erythema.[6]
Pylephlebitis is infection of the hepatic portal vein, usually arising from an infectious intraabdominal process such as diverticulosis.[7][8]
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