Left marginal artery

Overview

The left marginal artery is a significant blood vessel in the coronary circulation of the heart. It is a branch of the circumflex artery, which itself is a branch of the left coronary artery. The left marginal artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the lateral wall of the left ventricle of the heart.

Anatomy

Diagram of the coronary arteries, including the left marginal artery.

The left marginal artery originates from the circumflex artery, which travels in the coronary sulcus around the heart. As it branches off, the left marginal artery runs along the left margin of the heart, supplying oxygenated blood to the lateral aspect of the left ventricle.

The left marginal artery is sometimes referred to as the obtuse marginal artery due to its position and the angle it forms with the circumflex artery. It is one of several branches that ensure the left ventricle receives adequate blood supply, which is essential for its function in pumping blood to the rest of the body.

Function

The primary function of the left marginal artery is to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the lateral wall of the left ventricle. This is vital for maintaining the contractile function of the heart muscle, especially during physical exertion when the demand for oxygen increases.

Clinical Significance

Blockage or narrowing of the left marginal artery can lead to myocardial ischemia in the region of the heart it supplies. This can result in angina pectoris or, in severe cases, a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Treatment may involve coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore adequate blood flow.

Related pages

• Coronary circulation
• Left coronary artery
• Circumflex artery
• Myocardial infarction
• Angina pectoris