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portal system

portal venous system

A portal venous system exists wherever one capillary bed drains into another capillary bed through veins without the blood first passing through the heart. Both capillary beds and the connecting vessels are counted as part of the system, and the arrangement is termed venous because the vessels joining the two beds are veins or venules. Such systems are relatively uncommon, since most capillary beds drain into veins that return directly to the heart. The hepatic portal system and the hypophyseal portal system are the standard examples; used without qualification, the term portal venous system usually denotes the hepatic system, which is also why portal vein most commonly refers to the hepatic portal vein. Three subordinate structures are recorded beneath this entry.

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].

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

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.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:45628 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0005806 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikipedia — portal system Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.