Keuhkoverisuoni

Keuhkoverisuoni, known in English as pulmonary vessels, are the blood vessels responsible for the circulation of blood between the heart and the lungs. They play a critical role in the process of gas exchange, which is essential for respiration and oxygen supply to the body.

The pulmonary circulation begins with the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. Within the lungs, these arteries branch into smaller arterioles and then into capillaries that surround the alveoli—the tiny air sacs where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is expelled. Oxygenated blood then collects into the pulmonary veins, whichreturn to the left atrium of the heart.

The pulmonary vessels are distinguished from systemic circulation vessels by their unique structure and function. Pulmonary arteries have a thicker muscular layer to withstand higher pressure during blood flow, while pulmonary veins have thinner walls. The capillaries within the lungs facilitate efficient gas exchange due to their extensive surface area and thin walls.

Disorders affecting keuhkoverisuoni include pulmonary hypertension, which involves increased blood pressure within the pulmonary arteries, and embolism, where blood clots obstruct blood flow. These conditions can impair lung function and affect overall cardiovascular health.

In clinical practice, imaging techniques such as pulmonary angiography and CT scans are used to assess the condition of pulmonary vessels. Understanding their anatomy and function is vital in diagnosing and managing various cardiopulmonary diseases.