What is the significance of hepatic portal system in the circulatory system?
Hepatic Portal System There is a special vascular connection that exists between the digestive tract and liver in all chordates and is called as the hepatic portal system. This system carries blood from intestine to the liver before it is delivered to the systemic circulation. Significance of the hepatic portal system in the circulatory system
(i) Blood that comes from the alimentary canal contains glucose, amino acids and other nutrients. The liver absorbs the excess of fats and glucose to be used at the time of starvation when blood passes through given.
(ii) Harmful nitrogenous wastes like ammonia are converted into urea which is later removed by the kidney.
(iii) The liver produces proteins which are transported through blood circulation (e.g., fibrinogen for blood clotting).