The main differences between pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein are as follows:
- Function: The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, while the pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart.
- Oxygen content: The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood with a low oxygen content, while the pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood with a high oxygen content.
- Location: The pulmonary artery arises from the right ventricle of the heart and travels to the lungs, while the pulmonary vein arises from the lungs and returns to the left atrium of the heart.
- Structure: The pulmonary artery has a thicker wall compared to the pulmonary vein, as it needs to withstand the pressure generated by the right ventricle. The pulmonary vein has a thinner wall as it carries blood under low pressure.
- Valves: The pulmonary artery does not have valves, while the pulmonary vein has two valves, which prevent the backflow of blood.
