What does the pulmonary artery transport?

The pulmonary artery plays a critical role in the circulatory system by transporting deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. This process is integral to respiration, as the blood needs to release carbon dioxide and absorb oxygen. The pulmonary artery originates from the right ventricle of the heart and branches into the left and right pulmonary arteries, directing blood to each lung.

In the lungs, carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood, and oxygen is absorbed. This fresh oxygenated blood is then returned to the heart via the pulmonary veins, ready to be circulated throughout the body. Understanding the function of the pulmonary artery highlights the importance of the pulmonary circulation in maintaining effective gas exchange and overall cardiovascular health.