Pfortaderkreislauf

The Pfortaderkreislauf, also known as the hepatic portal venous system, is a specialized circulatory pathway in mammals. It is a system of veins that drains blood from the gastrointestinal tract, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder and transports it directly to the liver. This unique arrangement allows the liver to process substances absorbed from the digestive system before they enter the general circulation.

Blood from the stomach, intestines, spleen, and pancreas flows into the portal vein. This vein then branches extensively within the liver, delivering the nutrient-rich blood to the hepatic sinusoids, where liver cells (hepatocytes) can extract nutrients, detoxify harmful substances, and metabolize various compounds. After passing through the sinusoids, the blood collects in the hepatic veins, which then drain into the inferior vena cava, returning it to the general circulation.

The Pfortaderkreislauf plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. It ensures that absorbed nutrients are efficiently processed by the liver, regulating blood glucose levels, synthesizing proteins, and detoxifying ingested toxins. Disruptions to this system, such as portal hypertension, can lead to serious health consequences.