What is the only artery that carries de-oxygenated blood?

The pulmonary artery is unique in the circulatory system because it is the only artery that carries de-oxygenated blood. In the body, arteries typically transport oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues. However, the pulmonary artery serves a specific purpose: it transports blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.

In the lungs, carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. After this process, the blood becomes oxygenated and returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins, where it can then be pumped throughout the body. This distinctive role of the pulmonary artery highlights its importance in the respiratory and circulatory systems, as it facilitates the vital exchange of gases necessary for sustaining life.

The other options listed all involve arteries that carry oxygenated blood. For example, coronary arteries supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood, carotid arteries supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck, and femoral arteries supply the legs with oxygenated blood.