PULMONARY CIRCULATION

The circuit from right ventricle (the pump) to the lungs and back to the left atrium (receiving chamber)

1. The right side or the pulmonary circuit pump receives oxygen-poor blood from the veins of the
body through the large superior vena cava and inferior vena cava.
2. Pumps it out through the pulmonary trunk.
3. The pulmonary trunk splits into the right and left pulmonary arteries, which carry blood to the
lungs, where oxygen is picked up and carbon dioxide is unloaded.
4. Oxygen-rich blood drains from the lungs and is returned to the left side of the heart through the
four pulmonary veins.

FUNCTION: carry blood to the lungs for gas exchange (oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide
enters the lungs) and then return it to the heart.