The liver has a portal vein as well as a hepatic vein. It also has unique exchange blood vessels similar to
capillaries, called “sinusoids.” How do these unique structures determine the function of the organ?
Cirrhosis leads to scarring and increased hydrostatic pressure in the hepatic portal vein. Explain why this
increased venous pressure causes net filtration to increase in the hepatic capillaries, leading to ascites
(swollen and fluid-filled interstitial space of the abdomen).