Chapter 21, Problem 21.2.2AYLO

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The function of the pulmonary circuit and the reason of this relates to the relative oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in its arteries and veins.

Introduction:

The pulmonary circuit is the only route in the body where the arteries carry oxygen-poor blood and the veins carry oxygen-rich blood; in the systemic circuit, the opposite condition prevails. The purpose of the pulmonary circuit is primarily to exchange CO₂ for O₂. The lungs also obtain a separate systemic blood supply through the bronchial arteries.