Anatomy of the Heart Flashcards
What does the left main coronary artery supply?
The left main coronary artery (LMCA) supplies blood to the left atrium and left ventricle, and branches into
- the Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) supplies blood to the front and bottom of the left ventricle and the front of the septum
- the Circumflex artery supplies blood to the left atrium and the side and back of the left ventricle
What does the right coronary artery supply?
The right coronary artery supplies blood to the right atrium, right ventricle and bottom portion of the left ventricle and the back of the septum, as well as the SA node and AV node (in most people). The right coronary artery branches into..
The right marginal and the Posterior Descending Artery (PDA)
What is collateral circulation?
Collateral circulation is a network of tiny blood vessels which under normal conditions do not open.
When coronary arteries narrow to the point where blood flow to the heart is restricted (coronary artery disease), collateral vessels may enlarge and become active. This allows blood to flow around the blocked artery to anther artery nearby or to the same artery past the blockage, protecting the heart from injury.
