Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyLocationFunctionVariationsWhy It Matters to Your Health
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Location
Function
Variations
Why It Matters to Your Health
The pulmonary arteries are the two major arteries coming from right ventricle of your heart. Their job is to carry low-oxygen blood from the heart to the lungs. There, the blood is enriched with oxygen (oxygenation), andexcess carbon dioxideis removed. The blood is then pumped back into the heart via the pulmonary veins.This article will go over what the pulmonary arteries are and their function. It also covers medical conditions linked to the pulmonary arteries.MedicalRF.com / MedicalRF.com / Getty ImagesThe Anatomy of the LungsAnatomy of the Pulmonary ArteryThe pulmonary artery is big, relatively short, and wide. The left and right pulmonary arteries are each shaped like tubes with an opening called alumenthat blood can flow through.The left and right pulmonary arteries send blood to the left and right lungs, respectively.How the Pulmonary Artery Is StructuredThe pulmonary artery is shaped like the capital letter “T.” The pulmonary trunk makes up the lower portion and the left and right pulmonary arteries each form one of the two sides at the top.There is a valve between the right ventricle of the heart and the pulmonary artery. This valve has two cusps ofconnective tissue.The valve is set up to open when the heart pumps and the blood can flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary trunk. When the heart muscle relaxes, the valves close to prevent blood from flowing backward.As with all arteries, the walls of the pulmonary arteries have several layers of muscle that allow them to widen (dilate) and narrow (constrict). This is very different from the walls of veins, which are thinner and less muscular.The Four Valves of the HeartWhere Is the Pulmonary Artery in the Body?The pulmonary artery is located at the exit of the right ventricle. This main arterial branch is located above the heart to the left of theascending aorta.The right pulmonary artery wedges in theaortic arch, behind the ascending aorta and in front of the descending aorta. The left pulmonary artery extends near the left side of theaorta.These vessels go through theconnective tissue covering around the heart(pericardium). Since the heart is on the left side of the chest, the left pulmonary artery is closer to the lung than the right pulmonary artery is.Once the left pulmonary artery enters the left lung, it splits into smaller branches. The right pulmonary artery goes across the upper chest and enters the right lung. From there, the artery divides into smaller branches.How Blood Flows Through Your Heart and LungsWhat Does the Pulmonary Artery Do?The pulmonary arteries are key players in pulmonary circulation along with thepulmonary veinsand pulmonary capillaries.Pulmonary circulation involves transferring oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood in the body and the air that’s inhaled and exhaled in the lungs.The role of the pulmonary arteries is to carry blood that’s low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide waste to the pulmonary capillaries of the lungs, where the exchange takes place.Most arteries in the body carry oxygenated blood, but the pulmonary arteries carrydeoxygenatedblood.When the blood is enriched with oxygen and cleared of carbon dioxide waste, it flows back through the pulmonary veins to the heart’s left atrium.From there, the blood travels to the left ventricle and finally disperses through the aorta to the arteries that carry the oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.Each pulmonary artery will usually divide into three to seven branches. The most common anatomic variations of the pulmonary arteries are related to the number of arterial branches in the lungs.How Much Oxygen Is In Your Blood?Anatomic Variations of the Pulmonary ArterySometimes, one or branches split off before the right or left pulmonary artery enters the heart.There are also some rarecongenital deformitiesof the pulmonary arteries:Pulmonaryatresia: This condition is when the pulmonary valve does not open properly, which leads to diminished blood flow from the heart to the lungs. The symptoms ofpulmonary atresiainclude rapid breathing and slow childhood growth but can vary depending on how severe the malformation is.The condition can be treated with surgery.Pulmonary artery stenosis: This congenital defect causes anarrow pulmonary artery.It can be associated with other heart defects and cause symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. Surgical repair can widen the arterywith a stent.Pulmonary artery sling: This congenital defect occurs when the leftpulmonary arterybranches off the right pulmonary artery instead of directly from the pulmonary trunk. The defect is associated with thenarrowingof thetrachea (windpipe)andbronchi (airways).A pulmonary artery sling can be treated surgically.What Is Congenital Heart Disease?What Diseases Are Linked to the Pulmonary Artery?There are two main conditions that affect the pulmonary arteries in adults:pulmonary embolus (PE)and pulmonary arterial hypertension.A pulmonary embolus is a blood clot in an artery of the lungs and is a medical emergency. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease that develops over time.Pulmonary EmbolusApulmonary embolus(PE) is whena blood clot gets stuck in the pulmonary arteryand blocks blood flow to the lungs.A PE can occur when a blood clot forms in a vein somewhere in the body (often the legs) and travels through the heart where it gets stuck in a pulmonary artery. There arerisk factors for developing a PE, including blood clotting disorders,cancer, and prolonged physical immobility.Symptoms of a PEinclude:Sudden shortness of breathPain in the chest and backCoughCoughing up blood(bloodysputum)Excessive sweatingLightheadednessBlue lips or nailsLoss of consciousnessWhen to Seek Medical HelpA PE is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. If you have risk factors for and symptoms of a PE, you need immediate medical attention. Without treatment withblood thinning medicationor procedures to get rid of the clot, a PE can be fatal.Pulmonary Angiography on Lungs: What Radiographic Imaging Can ShowPulmonary Arterial HypertensionPulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare type of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure) that causes narrowing, stiffening, and thickening of the arteries in and around the lungs.The symptoms ofpulmonary arterial hypertensioninclude fatigue, shortness of breath,coughing up blood, and leg swelling.There are certain risk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension, includingsclerodermaor other connective tissue diseases, toxin exposure, andliver cirrhosis. However, some people get this kind of hypertension without a known reason.Pulmonary arterial hypertension is progressive and can lead to severeheart failureand disability when a person becomes unable to tolerate physical activity.However, prescription medications can slow the progression of the condition.How Is Pulmonary Hypertension Treated?SummaryThe pulmonary artery is a blood vessel that comes out of your heart. It splits into two sides, right and left, that carry blood to your lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.There are some conditions related to the pulmonary artery, including malformations that you’re born with or diseases that come on later in life, like pulmonary arterial hypertension.What Do Providers Mean When They Use the Term “Pulmonary?”
The pulmonary arteries are the two major arteries coming from right ventricle of your heart. Their job is to carry low-oxygen blood from the heart to the lungs. There, the blood is enriched with oxygen (oxygenation), andexcess carbon dioxideis removed. The blood is then pumped back into the heart via the pulmonary veins.
This article will go over what the pulmonary arteries are and their function. It also covers medical conditions linked to the pulmonary arteries.
MedicalRF.com / MedicalRF.com / Getty Images
The Anatomy of the Lungs
Anatomy of the Pulmonary Artery
The pulmonary artery is big, relatively short, and wide. The left and right pulmonary arteries are each shaped like tubes with an opening called alumenthat blood can flow through.
The left and right pulmonary arteries send blood to the left and right lungs, respectively.
How the Pulmonary Artery Is Structured
The pulmonary artery is shaped like the capital letter “T.” The pulmonary trunk makes up the lower portion and the left and right pulmonary arteries each form one of the two sides at the top.
There is a valve between the right ventricle of the heart and the pulmonary artery. This valve has two cusps ofconnective tissue.
The valve is set up to open when the heart pumps and the blood can flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary trunk. When the heart muscle relaxes, the valves close to prevent blood from flowing backward.
As with all arteries, the walls of the pulmonary arteries have several layers of muscle that allow them to widen (dilate) and narrow (constrict). This is very different from the walls of veins, which are thinner and less muscular.
The Four Valves of the Heart
Where Is the Pulmonary Artery in the Body?
The pulmonary artery is located at the exit of the right ventricle. This main arterial branch is located above the heart to the left of theascending aorta.
The right pulmonary artery wedges in theaortic arch, behind the ascending aorta and in front of the descending aorta. The left pulmonary artery extends near the left side of theaorta.
These vessels go through theconnective tissue covering around the heart(pericardium). Since the heart is on the left side of the chest, the left pulmonary artery is closer to the lung than the right pulmonary artery is.
Once the left pulmonary artery enters the left lung, it splits into smaller branches. The right pulmonary artery goes across the upper chest and enters the right lung. From there, the artery divides into smaller branches.
How Blood Flows Through Your Heart and Lungs
What Does the Pulmonary Artery Do?
The pulmonary arteries are key players in pulmonary circulation along with thepulmonary veinsand pulmonary capillaries.
Pulmonary circulation involves transferring oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood in the body and the air that’s inhaled and exhaled in the lungs.
The role of the pulmonary arteries is to carry blood that’s low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide waste to the pulmonary capillaries of the lungs, where the exchange takes place.
Most arteries in the body carry oxygenated blood, but the pulmonary arteries carrydeoxygenatedblood.
When the blood is enriched with oxygen and cleared of carbon dioxide waste, it flows back through the pulmonary veins to the heart’s left atrium.
From there, the blood travels to the left ventricle and finally disperses through the aorta to the arteries that carry the oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
Each pulmonary artery will usually divide into three to seven branches. The most common anatomic variations of the pulmonary arteries are related to the number of arterial branches in the lungs.
How Much Oxygen Is In Your Blood?
Anatomic Variations of the Pulmonary Artery
Sometimes, one or branches split off before the right or left pulmonary artery enters the heart.
There are also some rarecongenital deformitiesof the pulmonary arteries:
What Is Congenital Heart Disease?
What Diseases Are Linked to the Pulmonary Artery?
There are two main conditions that affect the pulmonary arteries in adults:pulmonary embolus (PE)and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
A pulmonary embolus is a blood clot in an artery of the lungs and is a medical emergency. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease that develops over time.
Pulmonary Embolus
Apulmonary embolus(PE) is whena blood clot gets stuck in the pulmonary arteryand blocks blood flow to the lungs.
A PE can occur when a blood clot forms in a vein somewhere in the body (often the legs) and travels through the heart where it gets stuck in a pulmonary artery. There arerisk factors for developing a PE, including blood clotting disorders,cancer, and prolonged physical immobility.
Symptoms of a PEinclude:
When to Seek Medical HelpA PE is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. If you have risk factors for and symptoms of a PE, you need immediate medical attention. Without treatment withblood thinning medicationor procedures to get rid of the clot, a PE can be fatal.
When to Seek Medical Help
A PE is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. If you have risk factors for and symptoms of a PE, you need immediate medical attention. Without treatment withblood thinning medicationor procedures to get rid of the clot, a PE can be fatal.
Pulmonary Angiography on Lungs: What Radiographic Imaging Can Show
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare type of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure) that causes narrowing, stiffening, and thickening of the arteries in and around the lungs.
The symptoms ofpulmonary arterial hypertensioninclude fatigue, shortness of breath,coughing up blood, and leg swelling.
There are certain risk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension, includingsclerodermaor other connective tissue diseases, toxin exposure, andliver cirrhosis. However, some people get this kind of hypertension without a known reason.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is progressive and can lead to severeheart failureand disability when a person becomes unable to tolerate physical activity.However, prescription medications can slow the progression of the condition.
How Is Pulmonary Hypertension Treated?
Summary
The pulmonary artery is a blood vessel that comes out of your heart. It splits into two sides, right and left, that carry blood to your lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
There are some conditions related to the pulmonary artery, including malformations that you’re born with or diseases that come on later in life, like pulmonary arterial hypertension.
What Do Providers Mean When They Use the Term “Pulmonary?”
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tucker WD, Weber C, Burns B.Anatomy, Thorax, Heart Pulmonary Arteries. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Kandathil A, Chamarthy M.Pulmonary vascular anatomy & anatomical variants.Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2018;8(3):201-207. doi:10.21037/cdt.2018.01.04Hayashi T, Ono H, Kaneko Y.Association of preoperative mixed venous oxygen saturation with postoperative segmental pulmonary hypertension in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 24].Pediatr Cardiol. 2020;10.1007/s00246-020-02428-6. doi:10.1007/s00246-020-02428-6Muthialu N, Martens T, Kanakis M, et al.Repair of pulmonary artery sling with tracheal and intracardiac defects [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 12].Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2020;218492320943342. doi:10.1177/0218492320943342Society for Vascular Surgery.Pulmonary embolism.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Pulmonary arterial hypertension.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tucker WD, Weber C, Burns B.Anatomy, Thorax, Heart Pulmonary Arteries. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Kandathil A, Chamarthy M.Pulmonary vascular anatomy & anatomical variants.Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2018;8(3):201-207. doi:10.21037/cdt.2018.01.04Hayashi T, Ono H, Kaneko Y.Association of preoperative mixed venous oxygen saturation with postoperative segmental pulmonary hypertension in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 24].Pediatr Cardiol. 2020;10.1007/s00246-020-02428-6. doi:10.1007/s00246-020-02428-6Muthialu N, Martens T, Kanakis M, et al.Repair of pulmonary artery sling with tracheal and intracardiac defects [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 12].Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2020;218492320943342. doi:10.1177/0218492320943342Society for Vascular Surgery.Pulmonary embolism.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tucker WD, Weber C, Burns B.Anatomy, Thorax, Heart Pulmonary Arteries. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Kandathil A, Chamarthy M.Pulmonary vascular anatomy & anatomical variants.Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2018;8(3):201-207. doi:10.21037/cdt.2018.01.04Hayashi T, Ono H, Kaneko Y.Association of preoperative mixed venous oxygen saturation with postoperative segmental pulmonary hypertension in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 24].Pediatr Cardiol. 2020;10.1007/s00246-020-02428-6. doi:10.1007/s00246-020-02428-6Muthialu N, Martens T, Kanakis M, et al.Repair of pulmonary artery sling with tracheal and intracardiac defects [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 12].Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2020;218492320943342. doi:10.1177/0218492320943342Society for Vascular Surgery.Pulmonary embolism.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Tucker WD, Weber C, Burns B.Anatomy, Thorax, Heart Pulmonary Arteries. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Kandathil A, Chamarthy M.Pulmonary vascular anatomy & anatomical variants.Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2018;8(3):201-207. doi:10.21037/cdt.2018.01.04
Hayashi T, Ono H, Kaneko Y.Association of preoperative mixed venous oxygen saturation with postoperative segmental pulmonary hypertension in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 24].Pediatr Cardiol. 2020;10.1007/s00246-020-02428-6. doi:10.1007/s00246-020-02428-6
Muthialu N, Martens T, Kanakis M, et al.Repair of pulmonary artery sling with tracheal and intracardiac defects [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 12].Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2020;218492320943342. doi:10.1177/0218492320943342
Society for Vascular Surgery.Pulmonary embolism.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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