Question map
Which one of the following arteries supplies blood to the human heart muscle?
Explanation
The coronary arteries are the primary vessels responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle (myocardium) [1]. These arteries originate from the root of the aorta and encircle the heart like a crown to ensure the cardiac tissue receives constant nutrients and oxygen [2]. There are two main branches: the left main coronary artery and the right coronary artery, which further divide into smaller vessels to penetrate the heart muscle. In contrast, the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. The renal artery supplies the kidneys, and the hepatic artery supplies the liver. Because the heart is a muscular organ that works continuously, it requires its own dedicated circulatory system, known as the coronary circulation, to function properly and prevent tissue death or heart attack.
Sources
- [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470522/
- [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534790/