adjective
portal
Relating to the vein that carries blood from digestive organs to the liver.
The diagram traces the portal vein to the liver.
Etymology
The adjective relates to the porta, the liver’s gateway or entry region. The portal vein is named for carrying blood into the liver through that region.
More examples
- The scan examined portal circulation.
- The report described increased portal pressure.
- Blood from the intestines enters the portal system.
Forms
portal
Similar words
- hepatic
- Relates to the liver more broadly.