The pulmonary trunk is a large artery that connects the right and left ventricles of the heart and delivers oxygenated blood to the lungs. It is part of the circulatory system, which is responsible for saturating the blood with oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
The pulmonary trunk is about 10-12 cm long and about 2.5-3 cm in diameter. It originates from the right ventricle of the heart and passes through the right heart, where it divides into the right and left pulmonary arteries. Each pulmonary artery delivers blood to the lungs, where it is enriched with oxygen due to the diffusion of gases through the alveoli.
Blood pressure is regulated in the pulmonary trunk, as it is one of the key elements of the circulatory system. The pulmonary trunk also filters certain substances, such as proteins and hormones, which are then transported through the blood.
Diseases of the pulmonary trunk can be caused by various reasons, such as congenital heart defects, myocardial infarction, pulmonary stenosis, arterial hypertension and others. Diagnosis of diseases of the pulmonary trunk may include ultrasound of the heart, electrocardiography, chest radiography and other methods.
Treatment for pulmonary trunk disease usually includes medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure. If pulmonary trunk disease progresses and becomes life-threatening, a heart transplant may be required.
Thus, the pulmonary trunk plays an important role in the circulatory system and can be susceptible to various diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and keep a person healthy.