portal system
Americannoun
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a vascular arrangement in which blood from the capillaries of one organ is transported to the capillaries of another organ by a connecting vein or veins.
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(loosely) the hepatoportal system.
Etymology
Origin of portal system
First recorded in 1850–55
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“How do you implement a shoe scan, or do you put it in with an existing portal system where the person is already standing while screening their shoes at the same time?” he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2025
This capillary network is a part of the hypophyseal portal system that carries substances from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary and hormones from the anterior pituitary into the circulatory system.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
The anterior pituitary receives products from the hypothalamus by the hypophyseal portal system and produces six hormones.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
These breakdown products, including proteins, iron, and toxic bilirubin, are transported to the liver via the splenic vein of the hepatic portal system.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
In medicine it is frequently employed as a hydragogue purgative, specially valuable in febrile diseases, in congestion of the portal system, and in the obstinate constipation of painters’ colic.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
