What is the purpose of portal vein?

Portal vein carries blood from the digestive organs, spleen, and pancreas to the liver. The portal vein is one of the two major pathways by which blood from the digestive tract reaches the liver. The other pathway is the hepatic artery, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the liver.

The portal vein serves the following functions:

* Nutrient transport: The portal vein transports nutrients that have been absorbed by the digestive organs to the liver. Nutrients that are transported include amino acids, glucose, fructose, galactose, fatty acids, and vitamins. Many drugs and toxins are also transported to the liver via the portal vein.

* Storage of nutrients: The liver stores certain nutrients that are transported by the portal vein, such as glucose and glycogen.

* Detoxification: The liver breaks down potentially toxic substances that are transported by the portal vein, such as alcohol, drugs, and metabolic waste products.

* Metabolism of drugs: The liver metabolizes drugs and other foreign substances that are transported by the portal vein, converting them into forms that can be excreted in the urine or bile.

* Formation of bile: The liver produces bile, which is necessary for the digestion of fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when needed.