What is the function of the pulmonary arteries?

What is the function of the pulmonary arteries?

• A. Carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.
• B. Carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
• C. Return blood from the lungs to the heart.
• D. Drain the heart.

Answer: (B)

Blood traveling to the lungs for oxygenation is carried by the pulmonary arteries. They are part of the pulmonary circulation, delivering blood from the right ventricle to the lungs where gas exchange occurs. The blood in these arteries is deoxygenated when it leaves the heart, which is why carrying deoxygenated blood to the lungs is the correct description. After the lungs oxygenate the blood, it returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins, not the arteries, to be distributed to the body.

Blood traveling to the lungs for oxygenation is carried by the pulmonary arteries. They are part of the pulmonary circulation, delivering blood from the right ventricle to the lungs where gas exchange occurs. The blood in these arteries is deoxygenated when it leaves the heart, which is why carrying deoxygenated blood to the lungs is the correct description. After the lungs oxygenate the blood, it returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins, not the arteries, to be distributed to the body.