A portal system is
A) an area connecting arterioles to venules.
B) a series of vessels that returns blood to the heart in an animal with an open circulatory system.
C) a space within or between organs where blood is allowed to pool.
D) a slightly muscular vessel that has minimal pumping action in an organism with no heart.
E) a vessel or vessels connecting two capillary beds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A portal system is defined as a vessel or vessels connecting two capillary beds, allowing for the exchange of materials between the two locations. Examples of portal systems include the hepatic portal system, which connects the capillary bed of the intestines to the capillary bed of the liver, and the hypophyseal portal system, which connects the capillary bed in the hypothalamus to the capillary bed in the anterior pituitary gland.

A Portal System Is