Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Biological Systems section of the MCAT. Review detailed explanations and interactive questions to understand complex systems. Enhance your exam readiness and aim for a high score!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the hepatic portal system responsible for transporting?

Hormones from the brain
Nutrients from the intestine
Deoxygenated blood from the liver
Carbon dioxide from tissues

The correct answer is: Nutrients from the intestine

The hepatic portal system is a vital part of the circulatory system that specifically transports nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas to the liver. After food is digested in the intestines, nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and various vitamins are absorbed into the bloodstream. Rather than going directly to the heart, this blood is directed through the hepatic portal vein to the liver. The liver plays a crucial role in processing these nutrients, storing them, converting them into forms usable by the body, or releasing them back into the bloodstream as needed. This unique routing ensures that the liver can regulate nutrient levels and detoxify substances before they enter systemic circulation. This function highlights the importance of the hepatic portal system in metabolic regulation and nutrient management within the body.