Sirajul Salekin @01290031

PULMONARY ARTERY
General Description:
The pulmonary arteries are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the
lungs. It is one of the only arteries (other than the umbilical arteries in the fetus) that carry
deoxygenated blood.
In the human heart, main pulmonary artery begins at the base of the right ventricle. It is short
and wide - approximately 3.3 cm (1.5 inches) in length and 1.4 cm (0.65 inches) in diameter. It
then branches into two pulmonary arteries (left and right), which deliver de-oxygenated blood
to the corresponding lung.
Properties:
1. One of the most important parts of the whole heart anatomy
2. Maximum length in normal subject = 3.3 cm [1]
3. The normal mean pulmonary artery pressures is less than or equal to 18 mm Hg. [2]
4. Divided into the left pulmonary artery (LPA) and right pulmonary artery (RPA)
5. The RPA is longer than the LPA
Function:
1. Carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart to the lungs.
2. Returns oxygenated blood back to the heart.
Dependency on external forces:
1. Presence of foreign substances in the pulmonary arteries blocks blood flow.
2. Blocking of blood flow increases the blood pressure in pulmonary artery.

References:
[1] Edwards PD, Bull RK, Coulden R. CT measurement of main pulmonary artery diameter. Br J
Radiol 1998;71:101820.
[2] Haimovici JBA, Trotman-Dickenson B, Halpern EF, et al. Relationship between pulmonary
artery diameter at computed tomography and pulmonary artery pressures at right-sided heart
catheterization. Acad Radiol 1997;4:32734.