The hepatic portal vein is unique because it
Take Free Practice Test On 2026 JAMB UTME, Post UTME, WAEC SSCE, GCE, NECO SSCE
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
The correct answer is:
B. begins and ends with capillaries
The hepatic portal vein is unique because it connects two capillary beds:
1. One in the walls of the digestive tract (where nutrients are absorbed).
2. One in the liver (where nutrients are processed).
This type of system is known as a portal system—blood flows from one capillary bed to another without first returning to the heart.
Other options:
- A. carries deoxygenated blood – Many veins do this; it's not unique.
- C. is the largest vein in mammals – That would be the vena cava, not the hepatic portal vein.
- D. carries digested food – It carries nutrients, not digested food itself.
- E. is the shortest vein in mammals – Not true.
The correct answer is:
B. begins and ends with capillaries
The hepatic portal vein is unique because it connects two capillary beds:
1. One in the walls of the digestive tract (where nutrients are absorbed).
2. One in the liver (where nutrients are processed).
This type of system is known as a portal system—blood flows from one capillary bed to another without first returning to the heart.
Other options:
- A. carries deoxygenated blood – Many veins do this; it's not unique.
- C. is the largest vein in mammals – That would be the vena cava, not the hepatic portal vein.
- D. carries digested food – It carries nutrients, not digested food itself.
- E. is the shortest vein in mammals – Not true.