AAMC FL Practice Exam

What is the primary function of the hepatic portal?

1. Conveys digested sugars from the intestinal tract to the liver

2. Transports oxygenated blood to the liver

3. Removes deoxygenated blood from the liver into the vena cava

4. Transports oxygenated blood from the aorta to the gastrointestinal region

The correct answer is: Conveys digested sugars from the intestinal tract to the liver

The primary function of the hepatic portal is to convey digested sugars, along with other nutrients and substances absorbed from the intestinal tract, directly to the liver. This unique vascular system is vital for nutrient metabolism and detoxification. The liver processes these nutrients, including carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats, allowing for their storage, conversion, or distribution throughout the body. This process is essential because it regulates the levels of glucose and other nutrients in the bloodstream after a meal, ensuring that the body maintains homeostasis. The other options refer to functions that do not accurately describe the role of the hepatic portal. For instance, the transport of oxygenated blood to the liver is primarily handled by the hepatic artery, while deoxygenated blood from the liver is conveyed to the vena cava by the hepatic veins. The choice regarding the transport of oxygenated blood from the aorta to the gastrointestinal region pertains more to the general arterial supply, not specifically the hepatic portal's function.