Anterior cardiac veins

Anterior Cardiac Veins

Anterior cardiac veins (labeled as Anterior veins of right ventricle) in Gray's Anatomy

The Anterior Cardiac Veins (ACV) are small blood vessels that drain the front part of the heart. They are part of the coronary circulation, which supplies the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients.

Structure

The anterior cardiac veins are typically 2-5 in number and run on the anterior surface of the right ventricle. They drain directly into the right atrium, bypassing the coronary sinus. This is unique among the cardiac veins, as most drain into the coronary sinus.

Function

The anterior cardiac veins play a crucial role in the coronary circulation. They carry deoxygenated blood away from the heart muscle and return it to the right atrium. This helps to maintain the oxygen balance in the heart tissue, which is essential for the heart's function.

Clinical significance

Understanding the anatomy of the anterior cardiac veins is important in several medical procedures, including cardiac surgery and cardiac catheterization. Abnormalities in these veins can also be associated with certain heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease.

See also

• Coronary circulation
• Heart
• Cardiac surgery
• Coronary artery disease