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portal vein
noun
: a vein that collects blood from one part of the body and distributes it in another through capillaries
especially
: a vein carrying blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver
Examples of portal vein in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From the gut, it’s sent to the liver via the portal vein.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022
No, the pressure had pushed the air into the walls of his intestines and his portal vein.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2021
The study ended with a liver biopsy, which detected only inflammation of my portal vein with no evidence of cirrhosis.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 11 May 2022
The portal vein is the blood vessel that carries blood from your gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen to your liver.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2021
The couple learned scar tissue from the 2007 transplant surgery completely closed off Hanks’ portal vein (the vessel that drains blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver).
—Darcel Rockett, chicagotribune.com, 23 Aug. 2021
The portal vein brings venous blood to the liver, while this artery brings oxygenated arterial blood.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 29 May 2019
First, the glucose molecules travel from the small intestine to the liver via the portal vein, Linsenmeyer explains.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 23 May 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'portal vein.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1765, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near portal vein
Cite this Entry
“Portal vein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portal%20vein. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
portal vein
noun
: a vein that carries blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver
Medical Definition
portal vein
noun
: a large vein that is formed by fusion of other veins, that terminates in a capillary network, and that delivers blood to some area of the body other than the heart
especially
: hepatic portal vein
More from Merriam-Webster on portal vein
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about portal vein
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