Vessel
Pulmonary trunk
Right ventricular outlet to the pulmonary circulation
High-yield
An artery is named for flow away from the heart. The pulmonary trunk therefore remains an artery even though its blood is relatively low in oxygen after birth.
Overview
Blood leaving the right ventricle enters the pulmonary trunk through the pulmonary valve. The trunk travels upward and leftward beside the ascending aorta before separating into the arteries for the two lungs.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Right ventricular outflow tract, beyond the pulmonary valve
- Course
- Ascends toward the left of the ascending aorta and divides beneath the aortic arch
- Branches
- Right and left pulmonary arteries
- Supplies
- Carries right ventricular output to the lungs for gas exchange
Clinical correlation
A clot spanning the division into right and left pulmonary arteries is a saddle pulmonary embolus. This describes its location; circulatory instability and right ventricular injury vary between patients.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the pulmonary trunk originate?
The pulmonary trunk arises from the right ventricular outflow tract, beyond the pulmonary valve.
What does the pulmonary trunk supply?
The pulmonary trunk supplies the carries right ventricular output to the lungs for gas exchange.
What are the branches of the pulmonary trunk?
Branches of the pulmonary trunk include the right and left pulmonary arteries.
What is the course of the pulmonary trunk?
Ascends toward the left of the ascending aorta and divides beneath the aortic arch.