What vein drains blood from the liver?

The vein that drains blood from the liver is the hepatic veins. The primary function of the hepatic veins is to carry deoxygenated blood away from the liver and back to the heart, specifically into the inferior vena cava. The hepatic veins collect blood that has already been processed by the liver, which is critical for removing waste products and toxins from the bloodstream.

Understanding the hepatic veins' role is essential, particularly in the context of liver function and pathology. The portal vein, in contrast, brings nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver for processing, rather than draining it. This distinction highlights the different roles that blood vessels play in relation to the liver's functionality. The inferior and superior vena cava serve broader roles as major veins returning blood to the heart from the body and head but are not exclusive to liver drainage.