Pulmonary and Aortic Anatomy

Front

What is the pulmonary trunk?

Back

Large arterial trunk that transmits deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. It is 5 cm long and 3 cm in diameter.

Front

Where is the origin of the pulmonary trunk?

Back

Top of the infundibulum, behind the sternal end of the 3rd left costal cartilage.

Front

Where does the pulmonary trunk terminate?

Back

Below the aortic arch (level between T4 & T5). The bifurcation lies in front of the esophagus, separated by the trachea.

Front

What are the posterior relations of the pulmonary trunk?

Back

Ascending aorta and left coronary artery, left atrium.

Front

What are the anterior relations of the pulmonary trunk?

Back

Left lung and pleura.

Front

What are the right side relations of the pulmonary trunk?

Back

Right auricle and right coronary artery, ascending aorta.

Front

What are the left side relations of the pulmonary trunk?

Back

Left auricle and left coronary artery.

Front

What are the differences between right and left pulmonary arteries?

Back

Right pulmonary artery is longer and wider, while the left pulmonary artery is shorter and narrower.

Front

Describe the course of the right pulmonary artery.

Back

Passes transversely to the right below the arch of the azygos vein to reach the hilum of the right lung.

Front

Describe the course of the left pulmonary artery.

Back

Runs transversely to the left below the arch of aorta, attached by ligamentum arteriosum.