Pulmonary vein 601365 217893747 2008-06-08T05:08:03Z Vishnava 6847159 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/68.5.126.16|68.5.126.16]] to last version by ClueBot (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{Infobox Vein | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = venae pulmonales | GraySubject = 165 | GrayPage = 642 | Imagemap = {{Heart diagram 250px}} | Caption = Anterior (frontal) view of the opened heart. White arrows indicate normal blood flow. | Image2 = Alveoli diagram.png | Caption2 = Diagram of the alveoli with both cross-section and external view. | DrainsFrom = [[lungs]] | Source = | DrainsTo = [[left atrium]] | Artery = [[pulmonary artery]] | Precursor = [[truncus arteriosus (embryology)|truncus arteriosus]] | MeshName = Pulmonary+Veins | MeshNumber = A07.231.908.713 | DorlandsPre = v_05 | DorlandsSuf = 12851530 | }} The four '''pulmonary veins''' carry [[oxygen]]-rich [[blood]] from the [[lung]]s to the left [[atrium (anatomy)|atrium]] of the [[heart]]. They are the only [[vein]]s in the post-[[fetal circulation|fetal]] human body that carry oxygenated (red) blood. ==Types== They are four in number, two from each lung, and are destitute of [[valves]]. They are * right inferior * right superior * left inferior * left superior ==Path== They commence in a [[capillary]] net-work upon the walls of the [[air sacs]], where they are continuous with the capillary ramifications of the [[pulmonary artery]], and, joining together, form one vessel for each [[lobule]]. These vessels uniting successively, form a single trunk for each lobe, three for the right, and two for the left lung. The vein from the middle lobe of the right lung generally unites with that from the upper lobe, so that ultimately two trunks from each lung are formed; they perforate the fibrous layer of the [[pericardium]] and open separately into the upper and back part of the [[left atrium]]. Occasionally the three veins on the right side remain separate, and not infrequently the two left pulmonary veins end by a common opening into the left atrium. Following from this, it's true that the number of pulmonary veins opening into the left atrium can vary between three and five in the healthy population. At the root of the lung, the superior pulmonary vein lies in front of and a little below the pulmonary artery; the inferior is situated at the lowest part of the [[hilus]] of the lung and on a plane posterior to the upper vein. Behind the pulmonary artery is the [[bronchus]]. Within the [[pericardium]], their anterior surfaces are invested by the serous layer of this membrane. The right pulmonary veins pass behind the [[right atrium]] and [[superior vena cava]]; the left in front of the descending [[thoracic aorta]]. ==Additional images== <gallery> Image:Bronchial anatomy.jpg|Bronchial anatomy Image:Illu bronchi lungs.jpg|Bronchi, bronchial tree, and lungs Image:Illu pulmonary circuit.jpg|Pulmonary circuit Image:Alveolus diagram.svg|Alveolus diagram Image:Gray494.png|Heart seen from above. Image:Gray503.png|Transverse section of thorax, showing relations of pulmonary artery. Image:Gray504.png|Pulmonary vessels, seen in a dorsal view of the heart and lungs. Image:Gray556.png|Base and diaphragmatic surface of heart. Image:Gray1032.png|The position and relation of the esophagus in the cervical region and in the posterior mediastinum. Seen from behind. </gallery> ==External links== * {{SUNYAnatomyFigs|19|05|08}} * [http://www.infomat.net/infomat/focus/health/health_curriculum/images/heart.gif Illustration at infomat.net] {{Gray's}} {{cardiovascular_system}} {{Veins}} [[Category:Thorax]] [[Category:Veins]] [[fr:Veine pulmonaire]] [[it:Vena polmonare]] [[la:Venae pulmonares]] [[nl:Longader]] [[ja:肺静脈]] [[nn:Lungevene]] [[pt:Veia pulmonar]] [[fi:Keuhkolaskimo]]