Liver and the Hepatic System

The hepatic system, also called the hepatic portal system, carries blood from parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to the liver. The products of digestion are processed in the liver. Useful sustances, such as nutrients and minerals, are released back into the hepatic system or stored in the liver for later use. Non-useful materials, such as toxins, are extracted and disposed of through other body processes. Read on to learn more about the liver and hepatic system, and what it does for your body.

Liver and Hepatic System

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The Liver and Hepatic System

The hepatic system, or hepatic portal system, is responsible for processing and storing nutrients in the body. It is also responsible for cleansing or detoxifying the blood. Substances the body can not use, such as toxins, are extracted and delivered to other body processes for disposal.

The hepatic portal system includes the veins carrying blood from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract including the stomach, spleen, intestines, pancreas and gallbladder. The blood from the GI tract enters the liver where nutrients are processed and stored, and where the blood is detoxified before returning into the blood stream.

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Liver and the Hepatic System

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Liver and Hepatic System

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