Hepatofugal flow means flow in which direction?

Study liver anatomy and function with our medical students test. Engage with detailed multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your test!

Hepatofugal flow means flow away from the liver within the portal venous system. Normally, portal venous blood travels toward the liver (hepatopetal flow) as it brings nutrients from the gut to the liver for processing. When the flow direction reverses and moves away from the liver, that’s hepatofugal. This reversal can occur in certain pathologies, such as portal vein thrombosis or significant portal hypertension with collateral pathways, where blood is diverted away from entering the liver. On Doppler ultrasound, you’d observe flow directed away from the liver in the examined vessel.