Right coronary artery
Right coronary artery
The Right coronary artery (RCA) (pronunciation: /raɪt ˈkɔːrənəri ˈɑːrtəri/), is one of the two primary arteries that supply blood to the heart. The other is the left coronary artery.
Etymology
The term "coronary" comes from the Latin corona, meaning crown, due to the way these arteries encircle the heart in the manner of a crown. The term "artery" is derived from the Ancient Greek ἀρτηρία (artēría), meaning 'windpipe, artery'.
Anatomy
The right coronary artery originates from the right aortic sinus, a part of the aorta. It travels down the coronary sulcus, between the atrium and the ventricle of the heart. The RCA supplies blood to the right atrium, right ventricle, bottom portion of both ventricles and back of the septum.
Branches
The RCA typically gives rise to two main branches:
- The right marginal artery, which serves the lateral aspect of the right atrium and ventricle.
- The posterior descending artery, which serves the posterior and inferior aspect of the heart.
Clinical significance
Blockage of the right coronary artery leads to a myocardial infarction (heart attack), which can result in damage or death of the heart tissue. This is often treated with a procedure called coronary angioplasty.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Right coronary artery
- Wikipedia's article - Right coronary artery
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