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

portal entry 2

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of portal vein was in 1765

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 28 Mar. 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

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