Circulation of the heart (coronary circulation)

Question 1

State the purpose of coronary circulation.

Answer 1

Coronary circulation is the circulation of blood in the arteries and veins that supply the heart muscle (myocardium).

Question 2

Name the two main branches of the left coronary artery.

Answer 2

• Circumflex branch - supplies left atrium and posterior wall of the left ventricle.
  -Left anterior descending (LAD) - supplies left atrium and posterior wall of left ventricle

Question 3

Identify the major vessel involved in venous drainage of the coronary circulation.

Answer 3

Coronary sinus

Question 4

State where the venous blood from the coronary circulation enters the heart.

Answer 4

The oxygen-poor blood enters the right atrium (RA),

Question 5

Clinical implications:

Answer 5

Angina - severe pain that accompanies temporary deficiency of oxygen in the myocardium

Myocardial infarction (heart attack) - results from prolonged blockage of an artery and death of myocardial cells.

Question 6

Age related changes to the cardiovascular system:

Answer 6

• Loss of cardiac muscle size and strength = decreased cardiac output
• Increase in systolic BP due to decreased compliance of arterial walls
• Increased incidence of congestive heart failure (impaired pumping of heart)