The arteries of the human body that supply the heart and its surrounding tissues are called the coronary arteries. There are two, the left and right coronary arteries, that bring blood from the aorta back to the heart keep it healthy and functioning as it should. The main features of the heart, the left and right atria and the left and right ventricles, receive blood from these blood vessels and their associated branches. They are subject to illness due to diet and habits, however.

Coronary Artery Background

The coronary arteries of the body, which are the left coronary artery and the right coronary artery, are essential features of the human anatomy as they provide blood for the heart and the associated myocardial tissue that composes the heart muscle. As with any artery, the coronary arteries bring oxygenated blood to the heart to ensure that it is healthy. However, these arteries are able to cause illness such as coronary artery disease.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is a condition that affects the coronary arteries, whether the left, right, or both, which can lead to serious health problems as these vessels are responsible for delivering blood to the heart. Those that suffer from coronary artery disease typically have an accumulation of plaque and fatty acids in the passage of these arteries which results in symptoms such as angina (chest pain) and potential numbness in other parts of the body.

Coronary Artery Anatomy

In coronary artery anatomy, both the left and right coronary arteries are discussed in relation to their origin, branches, and associated destinations as they supply oxygenated blood to the heart and myocardial tissue. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery both stem from the aortic sinus and return to the heart to supply its various features, including the atria and ventricles with blood in order to remain healthy.

Circumflex Artery

The circumflex artery is a branch of the left coronary artery and performs the same task of providing oxygenated blood to the heart. Unlike the left coronary artery, however, the circumflex artery provides the blood to the left ventricle and other parts of the heart and myocardial tissue. Related to this artery is the left anterior descending artery, or LAD, which is another branch of the left coronary artery after it bifurcates.