| The liver has a dual blood supply. 70-80% via the hepatic portal vein (nutrient rich) and 20-30% via the hepatic artery (oxygen rich). It has a large blood supply (nearly a 1/3 of cardiac output passes through the liver). | | The liver has a dual blood supply. 70-80% via the hepatic portal vein (nutrient rich) and 20-30% via the hepatic artery (oxygen rich). It has a large blood supply (nearly a 1/3 of cardiac output passes through the liver). |
− | The '''hepatic artery''' is a branch of the caeliac artery. The '''portal vein''' is formed by tributaries draining the spleen, pancreas and digestive tract. '''Intrahepatic arteries''' combine with '''portal vein''' branches to supply the connective tissue and hepatic sinusoids of the liver. Blood flows from the portal areas into the central vein. The central vein is lined by simple squamous epithelium. The bile duct, blood vessels (including the important hepatic vein) and nerves enter and leave the liver at the hepatic porta. Blood from the central vein opens into the caudal vena cava. Liver circulation is controlled by interarterial, intervenous, arteriovenous, and by sphincter mechanisms, allowing carefull reglulation. | + | The '''hepatic artery''' is a branch of the caeliac artery. The '''portal vein''' is formed by tributaries draining the spleen, pancreas and digestive tract. '''Intrahepatic arteries''' combine with '''portal vein''' branches to supply the connective tissue and hepatic sinusoids of the liver. Blood flows from the portal areas into the central vein. The central vein is lined by simple squamous epithelium. The bile duct, blood vessels (including the important hepatic vein) and nerves enter and leave the liver at the hepatic porta. Blood from the central vein opens into the caudal vena cava. Liver circulation is controlled by interarterial, intervenous, arteriovenous, and by sphincter mechanisms, allowing careful regulation. |