Final answer:
The hepatic portal circulation carries blood from the stomach and intestines to the liver for processing, making the correct answer c. Stomach and intestines to the liver.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hepatic portal circulation is a specialized component of the circulatory system. Its primary function is to carry blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. The hepatic portal vein plays a critical role in this system by transporting blood that is rich in digested nutrients from the stomach and intestines to the liver for further processing. This blood also contains toxins and drugs absorbed from the digestive system. Once in the liver, these substances are metabolized, and the blood is ultimately redirected into the systemic circulation via the hepatic veins to the inferior vena cava.
The correct answer to the student's question is c. Stomach and intestines to the liver, where the blood is processed before re-entering the systemic circulation through the inferior vena cava.