portal vein

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. the large vein conveying blood to the liver from the veins of the stomach, intestine, spleen, and pancreas.

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portal vein British  

noun

1. any vein connecting two capillary networks, esp in the liver ( hepatic portal vein )

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Etymology

Origin of portal vein

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

As expected, the treatment altered the microbiome and changed the balance of metabolites in both peripheral blood and the hepatic portal vein.

From Science Daily • Dec. 14, 2025

The intestines harbor numerous gut bacteria, and sometimes these bacteria and their related substances can enter the liver through the portal vein.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

Osaka University researchers discovered liver resident macrophages' pivotal role in defending against gut bacteria and related substances entering via the portal vein, particularly under compromised intestinal barrier conditions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

After its formation, the hepatic portal vein also receives branches from the gastric veins of the stomach and cystic veins from the gall bladder.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Venous emboli are those which approach the heart by the peripheral veins of the body or the pulmonary veins, and the liver by the radicles of the portal vein.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various