Final answer:
The hepatic portal circulation collects nutrient-rich blood from the GI tract and transports it to the liver for processing before it enters the systemic circulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hepatic portal circulation collects nutrient-rich blood from the GI tract and delivers it to the liver. This unique venous network is essential for transporting absorbed nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract directly to the liver for processing.
It includes the hepatic portal vein, which carries blood rich in digested nutrients and wastes filtered by the spleen. Once in the liver, these nutrients may be stored or used to create vital biochemical compounds necessary for the body's metabolism. After being processed, the blood exits the liver through the hepatic veins into the inferior vena cava, where it rejoins the systemic circulation.