Cardiac cells and the conduction system Physiology Flashcards
(9 cards)
What do the coronary arteries supply?
Blood to the tissues of the heart
The coronary arteries are essential for delivering oxygenated blood to the myocardium.
How many main coronary arteries are there?
Two: left and right
These arteries are crucial for heart function and vary in structure and supply.
Which is the largest and shortest myocardial blood vessel?
Left main coronary artery (LMCA)
The LMCA quickly divides into two important branches.
What are the two main branches of the left main coronary artery?
Left anterior descending artery (LAD) and circumflex artery (Cx)
Each branch supplies different areas of the heart.
What areas does the LAD supply in most patients?
Anterior surface of the left ventricle, part of the lateral surface of the left ventricle, and a portion of the interventricular septum
The LAD is critical for the blood supply to the left ventricle.
What does the circumflex artery supply?
Left atrium, part of the lateral surface of the left ventricle, inferior surface of the left ventricle (in ~15% of people), posterior surface of the left ventricle (in ~15% of people), sinoatrial (SA) node (in ~40% of people), atrioventricular bundle (in 10% to 15% of people)
The Cx artery has variable supply patterns among individuals.
What areas does the right coronary artery (RCA) supply?
Walls of the right atrium and ventricle, inferior part of the left ventricle, portions of the conduction system
The RCA plays a vital role in supplying blood to the right side of the heart.
In what percentage of people does the RCA supply the SA node?
About 60%
The RCA is significant for the electrical conduction system of the heart.
What percentage of people does the RCA supply the atrioventricular bundle?
About 85% to 90%
This highlights the RCA’s importance in heart conduction.
