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The left lung lies lateral to the left ventricle, aorta, left subclavian artery, left brachiocephalic vein, trachea, esophagus, and left phrenic and vagus nerves. Cadaveric lung impressions demonstrate the differences in the mediastinal relations.
The left pulmonary artery accompanies the left main bronchus to reach the hilum of the left lung. Here, it bifurcates into superior and inferior lobar arteries. The distal branches of the left pulmonary artery accompany the segmental bronchi, usually in a posterolateral position.
- Overview
- Function
- Anatomy
- Conditions and Disorders
- Care
Your pulmonary arteries carry blood from your heart to your lungs. They’re the only arteries in your body that carry oxygen-poor (deoxygenated) blood. Your main pulmonary artery (pulmonary trunk) leaves your right ventricle at your pulmonary valve. It soon splits into your right and left pulmonary arteries, which carry blood to each of your lungs.
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What does the pulmonary artery do?
Your pulmonary arteries carry oxygen-poor blood from your heart to your lungs. This is a vital function. Your blood needs to reach your lungs to gain oxygen and get rid of waste products like carbon dioxide. This blood then returns to your heart, and your heart pumps it out to the rest of your body.
Where are the pulmonary arteries located?
Your pulmonary arteries are located in your chest cavity. Your main pulmonary artery (pulmonary trunk) connects to your right ventricle at your pulmonary valve at the front of the heart. From there, it leaves your heart and travels upward along the left side of your ascending aorta. Beneath your aortic arch, your main pulmonary artery splits into the right pulmonary artery and left pulmonary artery. These arteries then travel to each of your lungs.
What common conditions and disorders affect the pulmonary arteries?
The most common problems that affect the pulmonary arteries are congenital heart defects. These issues are present at birth. Congenital heart conditions that may affect your pulmonary arteries include: Double outlet right ventricle. Patent ductus arteriosus. Pulmonary atresia. Pulmonary artery stenosis. Pulmonary valve stenosis. Tetralogy of Fallot. Transposition of the great arteries. Truncus arteriosus. Conditions that can affect adults’ pulmonary arteries include: Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary valve regurgitation. Heart Failure. Cirrhosis. Sickle Cell Anemia. Scleroderma. Obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity. Sarcoidosis. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Interstitial Lung Disease. Lupus.
How can I protect my heart and pulmonary arteries?
Many conditions that affect your pulmonary arteries are present at birth. While you can’t prevent congenital diseases, there are other diseases that you should manage well to prevent the development of pulmonary hypertension. These include: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Obstructive sleep apnea. Heart failure. In addition, you can take the following actions to support your heart health: Avoid smoking, vaping or using any tobacco products. Your healthcare provider can offer resources to help you quit. Eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Get at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of cardiovascular physical activity every week. Keep a weight that’s healthy for you. Manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Advertisement
When should I talk to a doctor?
Call your healthcare provider if you experience: Bluish lips or skin color. Chest pain, tightness or discomfort. Coughing up blood. Dizziness or fainting. Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Nausea and vomiting. Rapid pulse. Shortness of breath. Swollen ankles, feet or abdomen (edema). A note from Cleveland Clinic Your pulmonary arteries carry oxygen-poor blood from your heart to your lungs. They’re a vital part of your circulatory system. But because you can’t see them, it can be easy to forget they’re working hard every day. That’s why it’s helpful to learn your pulmonary artery anatomy along with the lifestyle changes you can make to support your heart and blood vessels. Learning how your body works can help make the invisible become visible. Ask your healthcare provider what you can do to keep your pulmonary arteries and circulatory system healthy. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/29/2022. Learn more about our editorial process.
Nov 7, 2024 · The primary function of the left pulmonary artery is to transport deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the left lung. This is part of the pulmonary circulation, a critical system responsible for gas exchange. Once the blood reaches the lung, it flows through progressively smaller branches of the artery and enters the ...
Venous Drainage. Pulmonary and Bronchial Circulation. Innervation. Lymphatic Drainage. List of Clinical Correlates. References. Quick Facts. Location: Right and left sides of the thoracic cavity. Arterial Supply: Right and left bronchial arteries. Venous Drainage: Right and left bronchial veins. Innervation: Pulmonary plexus.
Nov 21, 2023 · The medial surface of the apex of the left lung is laterally related to the left brachiocephalic vein and left subclavian artery. On the other hand, the medial surface of the apex of the right lung is laterally related to the trachea, brachiocephalic trunk, and right brachiocephalic vein.
Oct 30, 2023 · The left pulmonary artery is more variable in number and gives off several superior lobar arteries that feed into the superior lobe before entering the hilum of the lung to branch off into inferior lobar arteries that feed the left lower lung lobe.
