Textbook Question
Capillary permeability increase and plasma proteins leak into the interstitial fluid as part of the inflammatory process. Why is this desirable?
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Ch. 11 Cardiovascular System
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation23
- Ch. 2 Basic Chemistry22
- Ch. 3 Cells and Tissues20
- Ch. 4 Skin and Body Membranes13
- Ch. 5 The Skeletal System38
- Ch. 6 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 7 The Nervous System26
- Ch. 8 Special Senses12
- Ch. 9 The Endocrine System24
- Ch. 10 Blood22
- Ch. 11 Cardiovascular System29
- Ch. 12 The Lymphatic System and Body Defenses21
- Ch. 13 The Respiratory System7
- Ch. 14 The Digestive System and Body Metabolism13
- Ch. 15 The Urinary System23
- Ch. 16 The Reproductive System15
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 11, Problem 25
What is the function of the hepatic portal circulation? In what way is a portal circulation a 'strange' circulation?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the hepatic portal circulation: The hepatic portal circulation is a system of veins that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This blood is rich in nutrients absorbed from food and requires processing before entering the systemic circulation.
Identify the primary function: The main function of the hepatic portal circulation is to transport nutrient-rich blood to the liver, where the liver metabolizes nutrients, detoxifies harmful substances, and stores certain vitamins and minerals.
Explain why it is 'strange': A portal circulation is considered 'strange' because it involves two capillary beds connected in series by a vein. In the hepatic portal system, the first capillary bed is in the gastrointestinal tract, where nutrients are absorbed, and the second capillary bed is in the liver, where the blood is processed.
Highlight the importance of this arrangement: This unique setup ensures that the liver has direct access to nutrients and toxins from the digestive system, allowing it to regulate blood composition effectively before the blood enters the systemic circulation.
Relate to broader physiology: Portal circulations are rare in the body, with the hepatic portal system being one of the few examples. Another example is the hypothalamic-pituitary portal system, which connects the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary gland for hormone regulation.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hepatic Portal Circulation
Hepatic portal circulation is a system of blood vessels that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This circulation allows the liver to process nutrients, detoxify substances, and regulate blood sugar levels before the blood enters the general circulation. It plays a crucial role in metabolism and maintaining homeostasis.
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Portal Circulation
Portal circulation refers to a unique blood flow pathway where blood from one capillary bed is transported to another capillary bed via a portal vein, rather than returning directly to the heart. This system is 'strange' because it allows for the direct delivery of substances absorbed in the intestines to the liver for processing, which is not typical in most circulatory systems.
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Liver Function
The liver performs numerous vital functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. It processes nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract, converting them into forms that can be used by the body or stored for later use. Understanding liver function is essential to grasp the significance of hepatic portal circulation.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Mrs. Hamad, a middle-aged woman, is admitted to the coronary care unit with a diagnosis of left ventricular failure resulting from a myocardial infarction. Her chart indicates that she was awakened in the middle of the night by severe chest pain. Her skin is pale and cold, and moist sounds of pulmonary edema are heard over the lower regions of both lungs. Explain how failure of the left ventricle might cause these signs and symptoms.
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Textbook Question
Name three different factors that increase heart rate.
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Textbook Question
John is a 30-year-old man who is overweight and smokes. He has been diagnosed with hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Define each of these conditions. How are they often related? Why is hypertension called the 'silent killer'? Name three changes in your lifestyle that might help prevent cardiovascular disease in your old age.
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Textbook Question
Two elements determine blood pressure—the cardiac output of the heart and the peripheral resistance, or friction, in the blood vessels. Name two factors that increase cardiac output. Name two factors that increase peripheral resistance.
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Textbook Question
Name three factors that are important in promoting venous return.
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