Anterior interventricular

Anterior Interventricular is a term used in anatomy and cardiology to describe a specific part of the heart. It is also known as the anterior interventricular sulcus, and it is a groove that separates the ventricles of the heart.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The anterior interventricular sulcus runs along the front of the heart, from the base to the apex. It follows the path of the anterior interventricular artery, also known as the left anterior descending artery (LAD). This artery is one of the major arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle.

The sulcus itself is a groove or depression, and it marks the boundary between the left ventricle and the right ventricle. It is one of several sulci (grooves) on the surface of the heart that contain coronary arteries and cardiac veins.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The anterior interventricular artery that runs within the sulcus is of particular clinical importance. It supplies blood to a large portion of the heart muscle, and blockage of this artery can lead to a myocardial infarction, or heart attack. This is why the anterior interventricular artery is often one of the first areas checked in a patient presenting with chest pain.

The anterior interventricular sulcus is also a landmark used in cardiac surgery. Surgeons use it to orient themselves when operating on the heart, and it can be used as a guide for placing surgical instruments or devices.