Final answer:
The pulmonary vein is the blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart. Pulmonary veins are unique in that they are one of the only veins that carry oxygenated instead of deoxygenated blood. This process is part of the pulmonary circulation where the oxygenated blood is then distributed to the body through the aorta.
Step-by-step explanation:
The blood vessel that transports oxygen from the lungs to the heart so it can be pumped to all parts of the body is called the pulmonary vein. The pulmonary circulation system involves pulmonary arteries carrying oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. Upon reaching the lungs, red blood cells release carbon dioxide and take up oxygen. The now oxygen-rich blood leaves the lungs and returns to the left side of the heart via the pulmonary veins, which is unique as it is one of the few veins in the body that carries oxygenated blood, completing the pulmonary cycle. Ultimately, this oxygenated blood is pumped through the aorta and into systemic circulation to nourish the entire body.