Left pulmonary artery

Left Pulmonary Artery

Illustration of the left pulmonary artery from Gray's Anatomy

The Left Pulmonary Artery is a major vessel of the human cardiovascular system that transports deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. It is one of the two branches of the pulmonary trunk, the other being the right pulmonary artery.

Structure

The left pulmonary artery is shorter and larger in diameter than the right pulmonary artery. It extends from the pulmonary trunk, passing horizontally in front of the descending aorta and to the left where it enters the hilum of the left lung.

Function

The primary function of the left pulmonary artery is to carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. This process is part of the pulmonary circulation.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities of the left pulmonary artery can lead to various medical conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and congenital heart disease.

See also

• Pulmonary artery
• Pulmonary circulation
• Pulmonary trunk
• Right pulmonary artery

External links

• AnatomyExpert