The coronary circulation is the shortest circulation in the body. The primary function of coronary blood flow is to supply enough oxygen to meet the metabolic demands of the heart. Myocardial oxygen consumption varies depending on demand which is influenced by factors such as exercise, drugs and other stimuli.
- The Left Main Stem of the Coronary Artery divides into two branches:
- Left Anterior Descending (LAD) branch which covers the anterior wall off the heart. It supplies blood to the interventricular septum as well as the front walls of both ventricles.
- Left Circumflex (LCx) branch which covers the lateral wall of the heart. The circumflex branch supplies branches to the left atrium and the posterior (back)wall of the left ventricle and in some people it also supplies the SA node.
- Right Coronary Artery (RCA) divides into the posterior descending and marginal branches and covers the inferior wall of the heart runs through to the posterior wall. Branches of the RCA supply the sino atrial (SA) node and the atrio-ventricular (AV) node. The posterior inter-ventricular artery supplies branches to both ventricles while the marginal branch supplies the right atrium and ventricle.
Pulse point
Understanding the coronary circulation is important as it underpins cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.
Knowing where the coronary arteries are will enable you to recognise the areas affected when Coronary Heart Disease develops, particularly in Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS). These areas are often documented in medical notes after a cardiac event or during investigations including angiography. e.g. anterior, inferior. You can learn more about this in Module 4.
Page last reviewed: 19 May 2020
