Asked by Alexis Becton on Jun 26, 2024
Verified
Why does nutrient-rich blood of the hepatic portal vein pass first through the liver before this blood is returned to the heart?
A) This allows the liver to add more waste products to the blood.
B) The liver needs more nourishment than other tissues; hence nutrients first pass through the liver.
C) This allows the liver to add more nutrients to the blood.
D) This allows the liver to store or modify the nutrients.
Hepatic Portal Vein
A blood vessel that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver, rich in nutrients and toxins.
Nutrient-rich Blood
Blood that is high in oxygen and nutrients, supplied by the circulatory system to feed cells throughout the body.
Liver
A large essential organ in the body involved in numerous metabolic processes, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.
- Recognize the significance of the hepatic portal system and nutrient processing by the liver.
Verified Answer
NK
Nitin KillekarJun 27, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
The liver acts as a processing center for nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract. The hepatic portal vein delivers these nutrients directly to the liver, where they can be stored, metabolized, or modified before being released into the bloodstream for use by the rest of the body. This process is crucial for regulating blood glucose levels and detoxifying substances.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the significance of the hepatic portal system and nutrient processing by the liver.