What is the primary function of the pulmonary artery?

The primary function of the pulmonary artery is to carry oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs. After deoxygenated blood returns to the right atrium of the heart from the body, it moves into the right ventricle, where it is then pumped into the pulmonary artery. This artery transports the blood to the lungs, where it becomes oxygenated during respiration. This is a crucial step in the circulatory process, as oxygen is vital for cellular function and overall metabolism in the body.

The other options reflect different components of the circulatory system but do not describe the role of the pulmonary artery accurately. For instance, oxygen-rich blood is delivered to the body via the aorta, not the pulmonary artery. Blood from the lungs returns to the heart primarily through the pulmonary veins, not the pulmonary artery. Additionally, while the lungs do receive blood, it is via the blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients, rather than the pulmonary artery, which specifically deals with oxygen-poor blood.