portal vein

views updated May 14 2018

portal vein (portal circulation; portal system) Any vein that collects blood from one network of capillaries and transports it directly to a second capillary network in another region of the body, without returning to the heart. See hepatic portal system.

A Dictionary of Biology

portal vein

views updated May 23 2018

portal vein n. a vein that conveys blood from the stomach, intestines, spleen, and pancreas to the liver.

A Dictionary of Nursing

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Portal vein

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