Left marginal artery

Left Marginal Artery

The Left Marginal Artery (also known as the Obtuse Marginal Artery) is a significant blood vessel in the human heart. It is a branch of the circumflex artery, which itself is a branch of the left coronary artery. The Left Marginal Artery supplies blood to the lateral wall of the left ventricle, one of the four chambers of the heart.

Etymology

The term "marginal" in the name of this artery refers to its location along the margin or edge of the heart. The term "obtuse" is sometimes used to describe this artery due to the obtuse angle it forms with the circumflex artery.

Anatomy

The Left Marginal Artery typically arises from the circumflex artery in the left atrioventricular groove, also known as the coronary sulcus. It runs along the left margin of the heart, towards the apex, supplying the lateral wall of the left ventricle with blood. The number of branches and the size of the Left Marginal Artery can vary between individuals.

Clinical Significance

Blockage or narrowing of the Left Marginal Artery, often due to atherosclerosis, can lead to a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. This is because the artery supplies a significant portion of the left ventricle, which is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Therefore, any disruption in the blood supply can have serious consequences.

Related Terms

• Coronary arteries
• Right coronary artery
• Posterior interventricular artery
• Anterior interventricular artery

See Also

• Heart
• Coronary circulation
• Coronary artery disease
• Myocardial infarction

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