The aorta is the artery that carries oxygenated blood to the entire body. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Function. The function of the aorta is to carry oxygenated blood throughout the body.The function of the pulmonary artery is to deliver blood to the lungs for oxygenation.he aorta is the artery that carries oxygenated blood to the entire body. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Function. The function of the aorta is to carry oxygenated blood throughout the body.