What is portal vein? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of portal vein in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of portal vein

portal veinnoun
tĩnh mạch cửa
/ˈpɔːtl veɪn//ˈpɔːrtl veɪn/

Where does the word portal vein come from?

The term "portal vein" refers to a major vein in the body that carries blood from the digestive organs, namely the stomach, pancreas, spleen, and intestines, to the liver. The word "portal" derives from the Latin word "porta," meaning door or gate, which references the liver's roles as a filter and site of nutrient absorption. The portal vein plays a significant role in regulating blood flow and nutrient distribution within the body. It is a key component of the hepatoportal system, which is the anatomical and physiological network connecting the liver to the intestines, pancreas, and spleen. The size and structure of the portal vein vary between different species, with certain pathological conditions such as cirrhosis or portal hypertension leading to significant changes in its form and function. However, the fundamental role and anatomical placement of the portal vein remain consistent across most mammals.

Example of vocabulary portal veinnamespace

During the liver biopsy procedure, the medical team carefully avoided damaging the delicate portal vein, which is a major blood vessel that carries nutrients and blood from the digestive organs to the liver.
The portal vein plays a crucial role in the body's circulatory system, as it carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestines to the liver for processing.
The symptoms of portal vein thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening condition, include abdominal pain, bloating, and severe fatigue due to the blockage of blood flow in the portal vein.
Researchers are currently studying the use of stem cells to regenerate damaged portal vein tissue, which could lead to new treatments for liver diseases.
The portal vein is the largest vein in the abdomen, making it a significant landmark for surgeons performing procedures in the region.