Pulmonary Circuit: Deoxygenated Blood to Lungs, Oxygenated Blood to Body
The pulmonary circuit carries deoxygenated blood from the right heart to the lungs for oxygenation, then returns oxygenated blood to the left heart.
Pathway
- Right ventricle → pumps deoxygenated blood into pulmonary trunk
- Pulmonary arteries (R/L) → carry deoxygenated blood to lungs
- Pulmonary capillaries → gas exchange (CO₂ out, O₂ in)
- Pulmonary veins (4) → carry oxygenated blood to left atrium
- Left atrium → left ventricle → systemic circulation via aorta
Key Points
- Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood (unique among arteries)
- Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood (unique among veins)
- Low-pressure, high-compliance circuit (mean PAP ~15 mmHg)
- Entire cardiac output passes through pulmonary circuit
This separation of pulmonary and systemic circuits is the hallmark of double circulation in mammals and birds.
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