Compared with systemic circulation, pulmonary circulation has what characteristic?

In pulmonary circulation, the blood vessels have a lower resistance compared to those in systemic circulation. This characteristic is essential because the right ventricle pumps blood into the pulmonary arteries at a lower pressure than the left ventricle, which pumps blood into the high-resistance systemic circulation. The primary function of pulmonary circulation is to facilitate gas exchange in the lungs, which requires blood to flow through the pulmonary capillaries efficiently.

Reduced resistance in pulmonary circulation allows for easier and faster blood flow within the lungs, ensuring that adequate oxygen can be picked up and carbon dioxide can be expelled. This lower resistance is also due to the differences in vascular structure; pulmonary vessels have thinner walls and greater compliance than systemic blood vessels, accommodating the lower pressures without significant changes in volume. This anatomical and functional design is critical for maintaining normal respiratory physiology and overall homeostasis.