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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Pulmonary and Systemic Circuit?

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The circulatory system can be functionally divided into two distinct circuits: the pulmonary circuit and the systemic circuit. The main differences between these two circuits are as follows:

Pulmonary Circulation:

  • It transports deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
  • The blood vessels involved in this circuit are the pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins.
  • The right ventricle is the pump for the pulmonary circuit.
  • The oxygenated blood from the lungs returns to the left atrium through the pulmonary veins.

Systemic Circulation:

  • It provides the blood supply to all body tissues, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells and picking up carbon dioxide and waste products.
  • The blood vessels involved in this circuit are the aorta and its branches, which connect to all parts of the body.
  • The left ventricle is the pump for the systemic circuit.
  • The oxygenated blood is pumped out of the left ventricle and into the aorta, which branches into smaller arteries that supply blood to various organs and tissues.

In summary, the pulmonary circulation is responsible for transporting blood between the heart and lungs, while the systemic circulation is responsible for transporting blood between the heart and the rest of the body.

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  • What is the Difference Between Pulmonary and Systemic Circuit?
  • Comparative Table: Pulmonary vs Systemic Circuit

    • Comparative Table: Pulmonary vs Systemic Circuit

    The main difference between pulmonary and systemic circulation lies in their functions and the pathways they follow. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

    Feature Pulmonary Circulation Systemic Circulation
    Function Transports deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, where it absorbs oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. Transports oxygenated blood from the heart throughout the body, providing cells with oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
    Pathway Deoxygenated blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle, then to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium through the pulmonary veins. Oxygenated blood is pumped by the left ventricle to the largest artery, the aorta, and then flows to the arterioles, capillaries, and eventually to the tissues. Deoxygenated blood from the tissues flows from the capillaries to the venules and eventually to the right atrium.
    Blood Vessels Involves the pulmonary vein and pulmonary artery. Involves the aorta, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and ultimately the right atrium.
    Location Occurs in the lungs and heart. Takes place between the heart and the rest of the body.
    Type of Blood Carries deoxygenated blood. Carries oxygenated blood.

    These two circulations are interconnected and work together to provide the body with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.