Portal vein (Vena portae)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
Formed behind the pancreatic neck by the confluence of superior mesenteric and splenic veins; it carries all absorbed gut and splenic blood to the hepatic sinusoids — the nutrient-rich supply passing through liver before the IVC, and the anchor of porto-systemic anastomoses (oesophageal, rectal, umbilical).
Clinical notes
Cirrhosis compresses it, opening the porto-systemic collaterals: oesophageal varices bleeding catastrophically; an arterialized pulsatile portal vein signals fistula, and hepatic venous pressure gradient guides therapy.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Portal vein?
Formed behind the pancreatic neck by the confluence of superior mesenteric and splenic veins; it carries all absorbed gut and splenic blood to the hepatic sinusoids — the nutrient-rich supply passing through liver before the IVC, and the anchor of porto-systemic anastomoses (oesophageal, rectal, umbilical).
Why is the Portal vein clinically important?
Cirrhosis compresses it, opening the porto-systemic collaterals: oesophageal varices bleeding catastrophically; an arterialized pulsatile portal vein signals fistula, and hepatic venous pressure gradient guides therapy.
Source & license
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