Right coronary artery
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Right coronary artery
The right coronary artery is the artery that courses towards the inferior surface of heart along the right portion of the coronary sulcus. If we follow its course from its origin, we can see that it originates from the right coronary aortic sinus or the right sinus of Valsalva. After its emergence, it descends down the coronary sulcus on the right side, just between the right atrium and the right ventricle. Most commonly, until it reaches the inferior surface of the heart, which it supplies, in most cases.
Allong its course, the right coronary artery gives off numerous branches
Branches of Right Coronary Artery
Conal branch of right coronary artery
If we examine the right coronary artery next to its origin, we can see a branch that courses over the outlet of the right ventricle, or the conus arteriosus, supplying blood to that region. This is known as the conal branch, or the conus arteriosus artery, and it is one of the first branches of the right coronary artery.
Sinuatrial nodal branch of right coronary artery
As we go along the right coronary artery (RCA), we can see that it gives off a branch that courses behind the right auricle just next to the aorta. This branch, if followed, can be seen to go around the superior vena cava before turning around on the outer aspect of the right atrium towards the SA node, which it supplies with blood. This branch is known as the sinuatrial nodal branch of the right coronary artery.
Atrial branches of right coronary artery
Moving along the right coronary artery further, we can see that it gives some branches that extend towards the right atrium, which they supply. These are known as the atrial branches of the right coronary artery.
Anterior ventricular branches of right coronary artery
Looking further along the right coronary artery, we can see some branches that extend over the anterior surface of heart. These are known as anterior ventricular branches of the right coronary artery.
Right marginal branch of right coronary artery
Examining the right ventricle along the right margin of the heart more closely, we observe an artery coursing along this margin, originating from the right coronary artery extending towards the apex of the heart. This artery is known as the right marginal branch of the right coronary artery.
Inferior interventricular artery (posterior descending artery)
As the right coronary artery advances towards the base or inferior surface of heart, it gives off further branches. One of the most prominent branches, typically continuing from the right coronary artery, is the inferior interventricular artery – posterior descending artery, PDA. This artery derives its name from its course along the inferior (posterior) aspect of the heart in the inferior interventricular groove, supplying the inferior surface of the heart. This artery is also known as the posterior descending artery.
Septal branches of inferior interventricular artery
From the inferior interventricular artery, a few branches branch off to supply the lower third of the interventricular septum. These branches, originating from the inferior interventricular artery, are known as the septal branches of the inferior interventricular artery.
Atrioventricular nodal branch of right coronary artery
If we examine the right coronary artery closer to its end, near the area where the inferior interventricular sulcus meets the coronary sulcus, we can see that it sends a small branch upwards. This branch extends towards a critical structure of the nodal tissue, the atrioventricular (AV) node, to supply it with blood. This artery is known as the Atrioventricular nodal branch of the right coronary artery.
Right inferolateral branch of right coronary artery
Most commonly, as the right coronary artery extends towards the left ventricle, beyond the inferior interventricular sulcus, it may give rise to a branch. This is known as the right inferolateral branch of the right coronary artery, also known as the right postero-lateral branch.