Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The portal triad refers to the grouping of three key structures found in the liver: the hepatic artery, the portal vein, and the bile duct. These components are crucial for transporting blood and bile in and out of the liver.
Related terms
Hepatic Artery: Supplies oxygen-rich blood to the liver.
Portal Vein: Carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver.
Bile Duct: Transports bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine for digestion