The hepatic portal system delivers blood from the digestive tract to the liver before it returns to the heart. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only from the stomach
• D. It bypasses the liver

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the hepatic portal system channels blood from the digestive organs to the liver before it re-enters the heart. Blood from the stomach, intestines, spleen, pancreas, and related structures drains into the portal vein and is delivered to the liver, where it’s processed, nutrients are stored, and toxins are detoxified. After passing through liver sinusoids, the blood leaves via hepatic veins into the inferior vena cava and then returns to the heart. That processing step before systemic circulation is why this pathway is described as the portal system. It’s not limited to just the stomach, and it doesn’t bypass the liver.