Pulmonalisartärenna

Pulmonalisartärenna are the arteries of the pulmonary circulation that carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation. They originate from the pulmonary trunk, which arises from the right ventricle, and bifurcate into the right and left pulmonary arteries at the level of the sternal angle. Each artery travels to its respective lung and divides into lobar arteries—the right lung typically has three lobar arteries (upper, middle, and lower) and the left lung two (upper and lower). These lobar arteries give rise to segmental arteries that accompany the bronchial tree through the bronchopulmonary segments.

The pulmonary arteries form the low-pressure, high-capacity conduit of the pulmonary circulation. Their walls are relatively thin and contain less smooth muscle than systemic arteries, reflecting their role in gas exchange rather than high-pressure propulsion. They run in the bronchovascular bundles with the bronchi and branch extensively to reach the alveolar capillary networks.

Functionally, the pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the right heart to the alveolar capillaries for gas exchange. After oxygenation, blood returns to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins, completing the pulmonary circulation.

Clinical relevance includes conditions such as pulmonary embolism, which can occlude branches and cause perfusion defects or infarction, and pulmonary hypertension, which increases the resistance and pressure within these arteries. Anatomical variations or congenital anomalies of the pulmonary arteries can also influence diagnosis and treatment in pulmonary diseases.