Word parts
pulmon/o lung-ary relating to
What it means
Blood low in oxygen leaves the right ventricle through the pulmonary arteries and flows to the lungs. In the lung capillaries it gives off carbon dioxide and picks up oxygen, then returns through the pulmonary veins to the left atrium. The pulmonary arteries are the only arteries in the adult that carry oxygen-poor blood. Blood then goes out to the rest of the body in the systemic circulation.
Related terms
pulmonary artery
The large blood vessel that carries blood low in oxygen from the right side of the heart to the lungs.
pulmonary vein
One of the four veins that carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.
right ventricle
The lower right chamber of the heart, which pumps blood to the lungs.
pulmonary hypertension
High blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs.