The main difference between pulmonary circulation and systemic circulation is in the path they take and the functions they perform:
- Pulmonary circulation: This refers to the movement of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart. It begins when deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart is pumped through the pulmonary artery to the lungs. In the lungs, the blood is oxygenated and then returned to the heart via the pulmonary veins. The main function of pulmonary circulation is to oxygenate blood and remove carbon dioxide.
- Systemic circulation: This refers to the movement of oxygenated blood from the heart to the body’s tissues and back to the heart. It begins when oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart is pumped through the aorta to the body’s tissues. In the tissues, oxygen and nutrients are delivered to cells, while carbon dioxide and waste products are removed. The deoxygenated blood is then returned to the heart via the vena cava. The main function of systemic circulation is to supply oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body and remove waste products.
In summary, pulmonary circulation refers to the movement of blood between the heart and lungs, while systemic circulation refers to the movement of blood between the heart and body’s tissues. The main function of pulmonary circulation is to oxygenate blood and remove carbon dioxide, while the main function of systemic circulation is to supply oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body and remove waste products.
