Which vessel supplies oxygen to the liver?

The vessel that supplies oxygen to the liver is the hepatic artery. This artery is a branch of the celiac trunk and is responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the liver, which is essential for its metabolic functions. The liver has a dual blood supply; however, the hepatic artery is the primary source of oxygenated blood.

While the portal vein also plays a critical role in liver function by supplying nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract, it does not supply oxygen. Instead, the portal vein brings deoxygenated blood, which is rich in nutrients after digestion, into the liver for processing.

The superior mesenteric artery supplies blood to the intestines but does not directly supply the liver with oxygen. Similarly, the inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart, thus it does not contribute oxygen to the liver.

Overall, the hepatic artery is vital for ensuring that the liver receives the necessary oxygen to support its various functions, including metabolism, detoxification, and synthesis of vital proteins.