Anatomy, Coronary
<p class="default">10:35 PM, November 29, 2006</p>
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from HUMAN ANATOMY page 560</p>
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During maximal exertion, the oxygen demand rises considerably, and the blood flow to the heart may increase to NINE TIMES
above resting levels. The left and right coronary arteries originate at the base of the ascending aorta, within the aortic sinus.
Blood pressure here is the highest found anywhere in the systemic circuit.</p>
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The RIGHT coronary artery: follows the coronary sulcus (btwn the R atrium and R ventricle and gives rise to branches that supply the R atrium.
See picture on page 561; near the R border of the heart, the RCA gives rise to one or more marginal arteries.
The RCA then continues across the posterior surface of the heart supply the Posterior Interventricular Artery or PAD (Posterior Descending Artery)
whic runs toward the cardiac apex; it supplies the interventric septum.
Small branches of the RCA supply the sinoatrial noe and the AV node.</p>
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LCA supplies blood to the LV, LA, and IV septum. As it reaches the anterior surface, the LMCA (Left Main Coronary Artery) gives rise to the
CIRCUMFLEX A (Circ = Cx) and the Anterior IV branch (or LAD). The CIRC curves to the L in the coronary sulcus
(btwn the LA and the lV) and evetually reaches the posterior surace of the heart, where  <u>it meets and fuses with</u> small branches of the RCA!!!! YEAH!!!
The much larger LAD or L anterior intraventricular artery) runs along the anterior IV sulcus (btwn th4e RV and LV).
It supplies the anterior ventricular myocardium and the IV septum. Small branches from the anterior IV branch of the LCA are continuous with
those of the PDA of the RCA. These anastomoses assure that the blood supply is constant regardless of pressure fluctuation with the RCA and LCA!!!</p>
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