Lungeartärerna

Lungeartärerna, also known as pulmonary arteries, are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. They are a crucial part of the circulatory system, facilitating gas exchange. The pulmonary artery originates from the right ventricle and quickly divides into two main branches, the right and left pulmonary arteries, which lead to the respective lungs. Within the lungs, these arteries further subdivide into smaller arterioles and eventually capillaries, where carbon dioxide is released from the blood and oxygen is absorbed. The pulmonary arteries are unique in that they are arteries carrying deoxygenated blood, contrasting with most other arteries in the body which carry oxygenated blood. They are part of the pulmonary circulation, which is distinct from the systemic circulation. The pressure within the pulmonary arteries is significantly lower than in the aorta, reflecting the shorter distance and lower resistance of the pulmonary circuit. Conditions affecting the lungeartärerna can include pulmonary hypertension, where there is elevated blood pressure in these vessels, and pulmonary embolism, a blockage usually caused by a blood clot.