Cardiac Vasculature: Right and Left Coronary Arteries

Overview

Cardiac vasculature plays a vital role in maintaining optimal heart health, ensuring proper blood supply to the heart and delivering oxygen and nutrients necessary for the heart's functioning. In mammals, the coronary arteries are the primary blood vessels that supply the heart, originating from the aorta. These vessels are structurally divided into the right coronary artery (RCA) and the left main coronary artery (LMCA).

Right Coronary Artery (RCA)

The RCA is the first branch of the aorta and typically begins near the aortic root. It provides blood to the right side of the heart, including the right atrium and right ventricle. The sinoatrial nodal artery is a branch of the RCA, which specifically supplies the sinoatrial node, the heart's pacemaker. Additionally, approximately 90% of individuals exhibit a septal perforating branch from the RCA that serves the atrioventricular (AV) node.

Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA)

The LMCA is another significant branch of the aorta and functions similarly to the RCA, providing blood to the left side of the heart. It splits into the anterior descending artery (LAD) and the left circumflex coronary artery (LCx). The LAD circulates blood to the anterior two-thirds of the interventricular septum, serving both the left atrium and left ventricle. Meanwhile, the circumflex artery contributes to the remaining posterior-lateral aspect of the left side of the heart.

In summary, the cardiac vascular anatomy consists of two main coronary arteries, the right and left coronary arteries, which branch from the aorta and provide blood to the respective sides of the heart, ensuring efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to maintain heart function.