UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies
Question 14: Science and Technology
What is the name of the vessel that delivers the nutrient-rich blood from the stomach and small intestine to the liver?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
The hepatic portal vein carries nutrient-rich but deoxygenated blood from the stomach, intestines, spleen and pancreas to the liver, which processes the nutrients before the blood goes into general circulation. The hepatic artery brings oxygenated blood to the liver, and the hepatic vein drains blood from the liver towards the inferior vena cava. A portal vein, by definition, links two capillary beds.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The left hepatic artery is a branch of the hepatic artery supplying oxygenated blood to part of the liver; it does not carry blood from the gut.
- (b) The hepatic vein carries blood out of the liver, not into it.
- (c) The right hepatic artery supplies oxygenated blood to part of the liver; it does not carry blood from the gut.
- (d) Correct: the hepatic portal vein brings blood from the gut to the liver.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2006, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.