Right coronary artery
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The right coronary artery (or RCA) originates above the right cusp of the aortic valve. It travels down the right atrioventricular groove, towards the crux of the heart. In addition to supplying blood to the right ventricle (RV), the RCA supplies 25% to 35% of the left ventricle (LV).
Branches of the Right Coronary Artery
- The first branch of the RCA is usually the conus artery, which either arises within the first few millimeters of the RCA or from a separate ostium in the anterior aortic sinus.
- The RCA also supplies the SA nodal artery in 60% of patients. In just under 40% of patients, the SA nodal artery is supplied by the left circumflex artery. In the remaining cases, SA node receives a dual blood supply.
- In 85% of patients, the RCA gives off the posterior descending artery (PDA). In the other 15% of cases, the PDA is given off by theleft circumflex artery. The PDA supplies the inferior wall, ventricular septum, and the posteromedial papillary muscle.
Additional images
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Base of ventricles exposed by removal of the atria. -
The arch of the aorta, and its branches. -
Plan of the branches. -
Diagram of a myocardial infarction. -
