Which vessel supplies oxygenated blood to the liver?

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Multiple Choice

Which vessel supplies oxygenated blood to the liver?

The liver receives blood from two sources, and the key difference is oxygen content. The hepatic artery brings oxygen-rich arterial blood from the systemic circulation to the liver, meeting its high metabolic needs. The hepatic portal vein delivers blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen, which is rich in nutrients but relatively low in oxygen. While both flow into the liver and mix in the sinusoids, the arterial supply is the main source of oxygen for hepatocytes. Therefore, the vessel that provides oxygenated blood to the liver is the hepatic artery.

The liver receives blood from two sources, and the key difference is oxygen content. The hepatic artery brings oxygen-rich arterial blood from the systemic circulation to the liver, meeting its high metabolic needs. The hepatic portal vein delivers blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen, which is rich in nutrients but relatively low in oxygen. While both flow into the liver and mix in the sinusoids, the arterial supply is the main source of oxygen for hepatocytes. Therefore, the vessel that provides oxygenated blood to the liver is the hepatic artery.

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