Pulmonary veins

Definition

Pulmonary veins are blood vessels that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart. These veins play a crucial role in the circulatory system by enabling oxygen-rich blood to be circulated throughout the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are typically four pulmonary veins, two from each lung.
2. Unlike most veins that carry deoxygenated blood, pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood.
3. Pulmonary veins connect directly to the left atrium of the heart.
4. Problems with pulmonary veins can lead to conditions such as pulmonary venous hypertension and atrial fibrillation.
5. The term 'pulmonary' specifically relates to the lungs.

Review Questions

• How many pulmonary veins usually exist in the human body?
• What type of blood do pulmonary veins carry?
• To which chamber of the heart do pulmonary veins deliver blood?

Related terms

left atrium: The upper left chamber of the heart that receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins.

arteries:

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart; usually carries oxygenated blood except for pulmonary arteries.

pulmonary circulation: The part of circulation that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood to the left atrium.