Glucose absorption into the hepatic portal vein post-meal

Steps:

• Carbohydrates from the meal are digested into glucose primarily in the small intestine.
• Absorbed glucose enters the bloodstream of the intestinal capillaries.
• This blood drains into the hepatic portal vein, which transports it to the liver for processing.
• Two hours later, the glucose concentration peaks in this vein due to recent absorption.

Why B is correct:

• The hepatic portal vein is defined as the vessel that collects and carries absorbed nutrients, like glucose, from the gastrointestinal tract directly to the liver for metabolism.

Why the others are wrong:

• A. Colon: Primarily absorbs water and electrolytes; little to no glucose absorption occurs here.
• C. Renal artery: Delivers oxygenated blood to the kidneys for filtration, not nutrient transport from digestion.
• D. Ureter: Carries urine (waste) from kidneys to bladder; contains no meal-derived glucose.

Final answer: B