Question

Name the blood vessel that supply blood to the muscles of the heart.

• A. Pulmonary artery
• B. Coronary artery
• C. Pulmonary vein
• D. Coronary vein

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Coronary artery

Coronary Arteries: The Heart's Own Blood Supply

• The heart, a vital organ, requires a constant supply of oxygenated blood to function. This essential blood supply is provided by the coronary arteries.
• These arteries originate from the aorta, the largest artery in the body, just as it leaves the left ventricle.
• There are typically two main coronary arteries: the left main coronary artery and the right coronary artery.
• The left main coronary artery quickly branches into two major vessels: the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the left circumflex artery (LCx). These supply blood to the front and side of the left ventricle, and the left atrium.
• The right coronary artery (RCA) typically supplies blood to the right atrium, right ventricle, and the bottom part of the left ventricle.
• Blockages in these arteries, often due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), can lead to conditions like angina (chest pain) or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
• Understanding the anatomy and function of the coronary arteries is crucial in cardiology and is a common topic in biology and medical examinations.

Key Terms for Exams:

• Aorta: The main artery distributing oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.
• Left Ventricle: The chamber of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body.
• Atherosclerosis: A disease where plaque builds up inside arteries, narrowing them.
• Angina: Chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease.
• Myocardial Infarction: Commonly known as a heart attack; occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.