Pulmonary artery

Arteria pulmonalis

The pulmonary trunk emerges from the right ventricle and bifurcates into right and left pulmonary arteries beneath the aortic arch. The right pulmonary artery passes behind the ascending aorta to the right lung. The left pulmonary artery passes anterior to the descending aorta to the left lung.

Type Vessel
Body System Cardiovascular
Body Region Heart Region
Parent Structure artery
Latin Name Arteria pulmonalis
FMA ID 66326

Function

Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for gas exchange. The only artery in the postnatal body that carries deoxygenated blood.

Clinical Significance

Pulmonary embolism is obstruction of the pulmonary artery or its branches by blood clots, potentially fatal. Pulmonary hypertension increases right ventricular workload. Pulmonary artery catheterization (Swan-Ganz) monitors cardiac function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pulmonary artery?
The pulmonary trunk emerges from the right ventricle and bifurcates into right and left pulmonary arteries beneath the aortic arch. The right pulmonary artery passes behind the ascending aorta to the right lung. The left pulmonary artery passes anterior to the descending aorta to the left lung.
What is the function of the Pulmonary artery?
Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for gas exchange. The only artery in the postnatal body that carries deoxygenated blood.
What body system is the Pulmonary artery part of?
The Pulmonary artery is part of the Cardiovascular.
What conditions affect the Pulmonary artery?
Pulmonary embolism is obstruction of the pulmonary artery or its branches by blood clots, potentially fatal. Pulmonary hypertension increases right ventricular workload. Pulmonary artery catheterization (Swan-Ganz) monitors cardiac function.
Where is the Pulmonary artery located?
The Pulmonary artery is located in the Heart Region region of the body.

Related Structures

abdominal aorta abdominal part of aorta abdominal aorta artery abdominal artery Aorta Aorta aortic body aortic bodies arterial blood vessel arterial system arterial system endothelium arterial system smooth muscle

Medical Disclaimer

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