Hepatic portal vein

Vena portae hepatis

CardiovascularBlood vesselsAbdomen

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What it is
Formed behind the neck of the pancreas by the union of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins; it runs up behind the first part of the duodenum and in the free edge of the lesser omentum (behind the bile duct and hepatic artery) to the porta hepatis, where it divides into right and left branches.
Function
Carries nutrient-rich blood from the stomach, intestines, pancreas and spleen to the liver for processing before it reaches the general circulation.
Size
~8 cm long, ~1.2–1.5 cm diameter.
Clinical note
Supplies ~75% of the liver's blood; in cirrhosis high portal pressure opens collaterals such as oesophageal varices, which can bleed torrentially.

Nearby cardiovascular structures Abdominal aorta, Coeliac trunk, Common hepatic artery, Hepatic veins, Left gastric artery, Left renal vein, Right renal artery, Right renal vein, Splenic vein, Superior mesenteric artery