The Liver

Circulatory Function

The circulatory system designates the combined function of the heart, blood, and blood vessels to transport oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues throughout the body and carry away waste products. Among its vital functions, the circulatory system increases the flow of blood to meet increased energy demands during exercise and regulates body temperature.

When foreign substances or organisms invade the body, the circulatory system conveys disease-fighting elements of the immune system, such as white blood cells and antibodies, to regions under attack. In the case of injury or bleeding, the circulatory system sends clotting cells and proteins to the affected site, which quickly stop bleeding and promote healing.

While the liver is technically part of the gastrointestinal system, it also plays an important role in blood circulation. The liver has been called the antechamber of the heart because it collects and processes all of the gastrointestinal blood through the portal vein and delivers it to the right side of the heart. The liver receives blood through two vascular systems: the portal vein and the hepatic artery.