Interventricular sulcus

Interventricular sulcus

The interventricular sulcus is a prominent groove on the surface of the heart that separates the ventricles. There are two interventricular sulci: the anterior interventricular sulcus and the posterior interventricular sulcus.

Anterior Interventricular Sulcus

The anterior interventricular sulcus is located on the sternocostal surface of the heart, near the left margin. It runs from the base of the heart to the apex and contains the anterior interventricular artery (a branch of the left coronary artery) and the great cardiac vein.

Posterior Interventricular Sulcus

The posterior interventricular sulcus is found on the diaphragmatic surface of the heart. It extends from the base to the apex of the heart and contains the posterior interventricular artery (a branch of the right coronary artery) and the middle cardiac vein.

Function

The interventricular sulci play a crucial role in housing the major blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. These sulci also serve as landmarks that help in the anatomical orientation of the heart.

Clinical Significance

The arteries within the interventricular sulci are critical for the blood supply to the myocardium. Blockages in these arteries can lead to myocardial infarction (heart attack), which is a medical emergency.

Related Pages

• Heart
• Ventricles
• Coronary arteries
• Myocardium
• Myocardial infarction
• Great cardiac vein
• Middle cardiac vein

See Also

• Cardiovascular system
• Coronary circulation
• Cardiac anatomy