Vessel
Pulmonary trunk
Carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs
High-yield
One of the few arteries carrying deoxygenated blood; the ligamentum arteriosum tethers it to the aortic arch (a remnant of the ductus arteriosus).
Overview
The short wide artery arising from the right ventricle that carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs, dividing into the right and left pulmonary arteries.
Reference facts
- Type
- Elastic artery
- Origin
- Right ventricle of the heart
- Branches / tributaries
- Right pulmonary artery; Left pulmonary artery
- Supplies
- Both lungs (deoxygenated blood for gas exchange)
- Course
- Ascends from the right ventricle and divides below the aortic arch into right and left pulmonary arteries
Frequently asked questions
Where does the pulmonary trunk originate?
The pulmonary trunk arises from the right ventricle of the heart.
What does the pulmonary trunk supply?
The pulmonary trunk supplies both lungs (deoxygenated blood for gas exchange).
What are the branches of the pulmonary trunk?
Branches of the pulmonary trunk include the right pulmonary artery; Left pulmonary artery.
What is the course of the pulmonary trunk?
Ascends from the right ventricle and divides below the aortic arch into right and left pulmonary arteries.