Which type of blood does the hepatic portal vein bring to the liver?

The hepatic portal vein is responsible for transporting blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen directly to the liver. This blood is nutrient-rich because it carries nutrients absorbed from the digestive process, including sugars, amino acids, and fats, which have been taken up into the bloodstream after digestion. By delivering this nutrient-rich blood to the liver, the body allows for the processing and storing of nutrients, as well as detoxification of various metabolites.

In addition to being nutrient-rich, the blood that the hepatic portal vein carries is deoxygenated, which distinguishes it from the blood carried by arteries that are rich in oxygen. Therefore, while it is important to note that the hepatic portal vein does indeed transport deoxygenated blood, the predominant characteristic of the blood it carries is that it is nutrient-rich, making it essential for metabolic functions performed by the liver.