Pulmonary veins

Pulmonary veins are a set of blood vessels that deliver oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. They are part of the pulmonary circulation system, which is responsible for oxygenating the blood. The pulmonary veins are unique among veins because they carry oxygenated blood, while most other veins carry deoxygenated blood.

Anatomy

There are typically four pulmonary veins, two from each lung. The veins are classified as the right and left superior and inferior pulmonary veins. They enter the left atrium of the heart, which pumps the oxygenated blood into the left ventricle, and then to the rest of the body.

Function

The primary function of the pulmonary veins is to return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. This is a critical part of the respiratory system, as it allows oxygen to be distributed throughout the body.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or diseases of the pulmonary veins can lead to serious health problems. For example, pulmonary vein stenosis is a condition in which the veins narrow, reducing blood flow. Pulmonary vein isolation is a procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder.

See also

• Pulmonary artery
• Pulmonary circulation
• Respiratory system

References

Pulmonary veins Resources
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