Pulmonary arteries

Pulmonary arteries are the large blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. They are one of the few examples of arteries that carry deoxygenated blood, another example being the umbilical arteries in the fetus.

Structure

The pulmonary arteries originate from the pulmonary trunk, which is a major vessel that comes from the heart. The pulmonary trunk splits into the left and right pulmonary arteries. The right pulmonary artery is longer and wider than the left, and it extends across the upper chest to enter the right lung. The left pulmonary artery passes horizontally in front of the descending part of the aorta and the left main bronchus to enter the left lung.

Function

The main function of the pulmonary arteries is to transport deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. In the lungs, the blood picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, a process known as gas exchange. The oxygenated blood then returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the pulmonary arteries can have serious consequences. One such condition is pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This can lead to shortness of breath, dizziness, and other symptoms. Another condition is pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. This is usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or, rarely, other parts of the body.

See also

• Pulmonary circulation
• Pulmonary vein
• Heart
• Lung

References

Pulmonary arteries Resources
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