What is the function of the pulmonary artery?

The pulmonary artery plays a crucial role in the circulatory system by transferring venous blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. This artery is essential because it carries deoxygenated blood, which is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide, from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. Once the blood reaches the lungs, it undergoes the process of gas exchange, where carbon dioxide is released from the blood, and oxygen is absorbed.

This function is vital for maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is necessary for the body's tissues and organs to function effectively. After the blood is oxygenated in the lungs, it returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins, ready to be distributed throughout the body via the aorta. Understanding this process is essential for grasping how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems work together to sustain life.