Hepatic Arterial Buffer — FRCA Primary MCQ
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Correct answer: B — Increased hepatic arterial flow compensating for decreased portal venous flow
When portal venous flow decreases hepatic arterial flow increases to maintain total hepatic blood flow via the adenosine washout mechanism. Reduced portal flow allows adenosine to accumulate in the space of Mall causing hepatic arterial vasodilation. This compensation does not work in reverse.
Reference: Power Kam 2018 Principles of Physiology for the Anaesthetist