Vessel
Hepatic portal vein
Carries gut blood to the liver
High-yield
Formed behind the pancreatic neck by the splenic and superior mesenteric veins; portal hypertension → esophageal varices, caput medusae, and hemorrhoids.
Overview
The vein that drains nutrient-rich, deoxygenated blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver for processing.
Reference facts
- Type
Vein (portal)
- Origin
Union of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins
- Branches / tributaries
Right and left branches at the porta hepatis
- Drains
Delivers venous blood from the GI tract, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder to the liver sinusoids
- Course
Forms posterior to the neck of the pancreas and ascends in the hepatoduodenal ligament to the porta hepatis
Clinical correlation
Portal hypertension opens portosystemic anastomoses (esophageal varices, caput medusae, rectal varices).