Pulmonary artery

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The pulmonary arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs. They are the only arteries (other than umbilical arteries in the fetus) that carry deoxygenated blood.

In the human heart, the pulmonary trunk (pulmonary artery or main pulmonary artery) begins at the base of the right ventricle. It is short and wide - approximately 5 cm (2 inches) in length and 3 cm (1.2 inches) in diameter. It then branches into two pulmonary arteries (left and right), which deliver deoxygenated blood to the corresponding lung.

Role in disease

Pulmonary hypertension occurs alone and as a consequence of a number of lung diseases. It can be a consequence of heart disease (Eisenmenger's syndrome) but equally a cause (right-ventricular heart failure); it also occurs as a consequence of pulmonary embolism and scleroderma. It is characterised by reduced exercise tolerance. Severe forms, generally, have a dismal prognosis.

Additional images

Bronchial anatomy
Bronchi, bronchial tree, and lungs
Pulmonary circuit
Anatomy of lungs.
Front view of heart and lungs.
Transverse section of thorax, showing relations of pulmonary artery.
Base and diaphragmatic surface of heart.
The position and relation of the esophagus in the cervical region and in the posterior mediastinum. Seen from behind.