What is primarily transported by the pulmonary arteries?

The pulmonary arteries are responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. This is a critical function in the cardiovascular system, as it allows for the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen in the lungs. When the right ventricle of the heart contracts, the deoxygenated blood is pumped into the pulmonary arteries, which then carry it to the lungs where it is re-oxygenated. This oxygenated blood returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins to be distributed throughout the body, while the pulmonary arteries are specifically tasked with carrying deoxygenated blood, making the identification of their function essential for understanding the pulmonary circulation. This distinction is key in cardiovascular physiology and helps explain the unique roles of the different types of blood vessels in the circulatory system.