Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The hepatic vein is a blood vessel that drains deoxygenated blood from the liver and returns it to the heart. It plays a crucial role in the circulatory pathways, particularly in the context of processing nutrients absorbed from digestion.
The main cells of the liver that are involved in metabolic processes, detoxification, and protein synthesis.
Inferior Vena Cava: A large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart, into which hepatic veins drain.