What are the two major blood vessels supplying the liver?

The hepatic artery and the hepatic portal vein are the two primary blood vessels that supply the liver, playing crucial roles in its functions. The hepatic artery brings oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the liver. This is essential because the liver is an organ with high metabolic activity and requires a continuous supply of oxygen to perform its various functions, including detoxification, metabolism, and synthesis of important biomolecules.

Meanwhile, the hepatic portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen directly to the liver. This allows the liver to process and store nutrients absorbed from food, regulating their release into the bloodstream as needed. Additionally, this pathway enables the liver to filter out toxins and waste products before the blood circulates to the rest of the body.

The combination of these two vessels ensures that the liver receives both oxygen and the necessary nutrients to maintain its critical metabolic functions.