Inferior pulmonary vein

Inferior Pulmonary Vein

The inferior pulmonary veins.

The Inferior Pulmonary Vein is one of the four pulmonary veins that returns oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart. It is responsible for carrying the blood that has been oxygenated in the lower lobes of the lungs.

Structure

The inferior pulmonary veins are larger than the superior pulmonary veins. They are located below the superior pulmonary veins and drain the lower lobes of the lungs. Each lung is drained by one inferior pulmonary vein, thus there are two in total, one on each side of the heart.

Function

The primary function of the inferior pulmonary vein is to return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. This oxygenated blood is then pumped by the heart to the rest of the body, supplying the body's tissues with the oxygen they need to function.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the inferior pulmonary vein can lead to a variety of health problems, including pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism. It is also a site often involved in atrial fibrillation.

See also

• Pulmonary circulation
• Pulmonary artery
• Superior pulmonary vein