portal system

portal venous system

In the circulatory system of animals, a portal venous system occurs when a capillary bed drains into another capillary bed through veins, without first going through the heart. Both capillary beds and the blood vessels that connect them are considered part of the portal venous system. They are relatively uncommon as the majority of capillary beds drain into veins which then drain into the heart, not into another capillary bed. Portal venous systems are considered venous because the blood vessels that join the two capillary beds are either veins or venules. Examples of such systems include the hepatic portal system and the hypophyseal portal system. Unqualified, 'portal venous system' often refers to the hepatic portal system. For this reason, 'portal vein' most commonly refers to the hepatic portal vein[WP].

Type Vessel
Body System Cardiovascular
Parent Structure vasculature
Latin Name portal venous system
FMA ID 45628

Sub-structures

hepatic portal system Vessel hypothalamo-hypophyseal system Organ renal portal system Vessel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the portal system?
In the circulatory system of animals, a portal venous system occurs when a capillary bed drains into another capillary bed through veins, without first going through the heart. Both capillary beds and the blood vessels that connect them are considered part of the portal venous system. They are relat
What body system is the portal system part of?
The portal system is part of the Cardiovascular.
What is the Latin name for the portal system?
The Latin name for the portal system is portal venous system.

Related Structures

abdominal aorta abdominal part of aorta abdominal aorta artery abdominal artery Aorta Aorta aortic body aortic bodies arterial blood vessel arterial system arterial system endothelium arterial system smooth muscle

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