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Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 18, Problem 19

Which of the following vessels does not drain into the hepatic portal vein?
a. Splenic vein
b. Inferior mesenteric vein
c. Gastric vein
d. Renal vein
e. Superior mesenteric vein

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Understand the hepatic portal vein system. The hepatic portal vein is responsible for transporting blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver for processing. It receives blood from veins that drain the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and spleen.
Step 2: Identify the vessels that contribute to the hepatic portal vein. The major veins that drain into the hepatic portal vein include the splenic vein, superior mesenteric vein, inferior mesenteric vein, and gastric veins.
Step 3: Recognize the exception. The renal vein is part of the systemic circulation and drains blood from the kidneys directly into the inferior vena cava, bypassing the hepatic portal vein entirely.
Step 4: Compare the options provided in the question. Analyze each vessel listed (splenic vein, inferior mesenteric vein, gastric vein, renal vein, and superior mesenteric vein) to determine which one does not connect to the hepatic portal vein.
Step 5: Conclude that the renal vein does not drain into the hepatic portal vein, as it is part of the systemic circulation and bypasses the liver.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hepatic Portal Vein

The hepatic portal vein is a major blood vessel that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This blood is rich in nutrients absorbed from food and is essential for the liver to process these nutrients and detoxify substances. Understanding its role is crucial for identifying which veins contribute to its formation.
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Introduction to Veins

Veins Draining into the Hepatic Portal Vein

Several veins drain into the hepatic portal vein, including the splenic vein, inferior mesenteric vein, superior mesenteric vein, and gastric vein. Each of these veins collects blood from specific regions of the digestive system, making it important to know their contributions to the portal circulation when analyzing related questions.
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Renal Vein

The renal vein is responsible for draining blood from the kidneys back to the inferior vena cava. Unlike the other veins listed, the renal vein does not contribute to the hepatic portal circulation, as it does not collect blood from the digestive organs. Recognizing this distinction is key to answering questions about the vessels that drain into the hepatic portal vein.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

The hydrostatic pressure gradient drives water _____ capillaries, and the colloid osmotic pressure draws water ____ capillaries.

a. out of; out of

b. out of; into

c. into; out of

d. into; into

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Textbook Question

Match the following arteries with the correct description. 

__Radial artery      

__Celiac trunk      

__Basilar artery       

__Superior mesenteric artery      

__Dorsalis pedis artery      

__Femoral artery      

__Internal iliac artery      

__Renal artery      

__Internal carotid artery      

__Subclavian artery

a. Supplies the small intestine and most of the large intestine 

b. Supplies the pelvis 

c. Supplies the upper limb 

d. Located in the lateral forearm 

e. Provides the blood supply to the lower limb 

f. Supplies the brain via the anterior and middle cerebral arteries 

g. Large single branch off the aorta that supplies the liver, stomach, duodenum, and spleen 

h. Supplies the foot and ankle 

i. Supplies the kidney 

j. Forms from the fusion of the two vertebral arteries 

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is not a common pulse point?

a. Femoral artery

b. Subclavian artery

c. Common carotid artery

d. Brachial artery

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Textbook Question

Match the following veins with the correct description. 

__Cephalic vein      

__Great saphenous vein      

__Dural sinus      

__Azygos vein      

__Hepatic portal vein      

__Splenic vein      

__Internal jugular vein      

__Brachiocephalic veins       

__Brachial vein      

__Inferior mesenteric vein

a. Drains the posterior abdominal and thoracic walls

b. Two veins merge to form the superior vena cava

c. Receives blood from the spleen and digestive organs

d. Superficial vein in the medial leg

e. Drains the brain and face

f. Drains part of the large intestine

g. Superficial vein in the lateral upper limb

h. Deep vein of the arm

i. Drains the spleen

j. Drain the brain capillaries and cerebrospinal fluid

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