Pulmonary embolism affects the circulation of which organ?

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Multiple Choice

Pulmonary embolism affects the circulation of which organ?

Pulmonary embolism blocks blood flow in the pulmonary circulation, so the organ most affected is the lungs. The lungs receive blood from the right side of the heart through the pulmonary arteries; a clot lodges in these vessels, reducing perfusion to part of the lung and impairing gas exchange. This creates a ventilation-perfusion mismatch and can lead to hypoxemia and, with large emboli, strain on the right heart. While embolism can cause secondary effects on the heart or systemic symptoms, the blockage itself directly involves the lungs rather than the brain, liver, or the heart’s own coronary circulation.

Pulmonary embolism blocks blood flow in the pulmonary circulation, so the organ most affected is the lungs. The lungs receive blood from the right side of the heart through the pulmonary arteries; a clot lodges in these vessels, reducing perfusion to part of the lung and impairing gas exchange. This creates a ventilation-perfusion mismatch and can lead to hypoxemia and, with large emboli, strain on the right heart. While embolism can cause secondary effects on the heart or systemic symptoms, the blockage itself directly involves the lungs rather than the brain, liver, or the heart’s own coronary circulation.

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