Coronary vessels

Coronary Vessels
Details
System	Circulatory system
Artery	Coronary arteries
Vein	Coronary veins
Identifiers
Latin	Vasorum coronariorum
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology

The coronary vessels are a network of arteries and veins that supply blood to the heart muscle, essential for its function and survival. These vessels are critical in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of waste products from the myocardium (heart muscle).

Structure

The coronary vessels include two main types: the coronary arteries and the coronary veins.

Coronary Arteries

The coronary arteries arise from the base of the aorta just above the aortic valve and are classified into two main arteries:

• The Right coronary artery (RCA) which supplies the right atrium, right ventricle, sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes.
• The Left coronary artery (LCA) which typically divides into the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the circumflex artery (LCX). These arteries supply the left atrium, left ventricle, and interventricular septum.

Coronary Veins

The coronary veins collect deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle and primarily drain into the coronary sinus, which then empties into the right atrium. Major coronary veins include:

• The Great cardiac vein
• The Middle cardiac vein
• The Small cardiac vein

Function

The primary function of the coronary vessels is to maintain adequate blood flow to the heart muscle. This is crucial during increased physical activity when the heart requires more oxygen and nutrients. The coronary arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, and the coronary veins carry away the oxygen-depleted blood.

Clinical Significance

1. 1. 1. Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of death worldwide. It occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle and leading to conditions such as angina and myocardial infarction (heart attack).

1. 1. 1. Diagnostic and Treatment Procedures

Various procedures are used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the coronary vessels:

• Coronary angiography helps visualize blockages.
• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including angioplasty and stent placement, can open blocked arteries.
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure to create new routes around narrowed and blocked arteries, allowing sufficient blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

See Also

• Heart
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cardiac surgery