PORTAL SYSTEM Meaning and
Definition
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A portal system is a network of blood vessels that connect two separate systems of blood circulation within the body. It consists of two capillary networks connected by a portal vein. This specific arrangement allows for the transfer of substances from one set of blood vessels to another without passing through the heart.
In human anatomy, the most well-known portal system is the hepatic portal system. It involves the hepatic portal vein, which connects the capillaries of the gastrointestinal tract to the liver. After digestion, nutrients and toxins from the intestines are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported directly to the liver for filtration and processing before reaching the systemic circulation.
Another example of a portal system is the hypophyseal portal system. It connects the hypothalamus of the brain to the anterior pituitary gland. Hormones produced by the hypothalamus travel through specialized blood vessels (portal vessels) to the anterior pituitary gland, where they stimulate or inhibit the release of specific hormones into the general circulation.
Portal systems play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, ensuring efficient transportation and exchange of substances. They allow for selective nutrient absorption, detoxification, hormone regulation, and other vital functions. Understanding the intricate workings of portal systems is fundamental in comprehending the complex interconnectedness of different organ systems within the human body and other animals.
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• The p. vein and its branches through which the p. circulation takes place.
• The capillaries of the liver carrying venous blood from the portal vein and discharging it through the hepatic vein into the vena cava inferior.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PORTAL SYSTEM
- oortal system
- lortal system
- -ortal system
- 0ortal system
- pirtal system
- pkrtal system
- plrtal system
- pprtal system
- p0rtal system
- p9rtal system
- poetal system
- podtal system
- poftal system
- pottal system
- po5tal system
- po4tal system
- porral system
- porfal system
- porgal system
Etymology of PORTAL SYSTEM
The word "portal" originates from the Latin word "porta", which means "gate" or "entrance". The term "portal system" refers to a network of blood vessels in the body that connects two different capillary beds. The system allows blood to flow from one capillary bed to another, typically involving two sets of blood vessels and a major organ in between. The word "system" comes from the Latin word "systema", meaning "a whole compounded of several parts". Therefore, the etymology of "portal system" can be traced back to Latin, with "portal" representing a gate or entrance, and "system" referring to a complex arrangement of interconnected parts.
Similar spelling words for PORTAL SYSTEM
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