Arteries of the heart
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Arteries of the Heart: An Overview
Coronary Arteries and Their Function
The coronary arteries are essential for supplying blood to the heart muscle itself. These arteries include the right coronary artery (RCA) and the left coronary artery (LCA), which further divides into the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the circumflex artery (LCx). The RCA primarily supplies the right atrium, right ventricle, and parts of the left ventricle, while the LCA supplies the left atrium and left ventricle .
Atrial Arteries and Their Variability
The arterial blood supply to the atria is complex and varies significantly among individuals. In over 50% of human hearts, both the sinoatrial (S.A.) and atrioventricular (A.V.) nodes are supplied by branches of the RCA. In only 7% of cases, both nodes are supplied by branches of the LCA. The S.A. nodal artery most commonly originates from the first part of the RCA (47%) or the circumflex branch of the LCA (27%). The A.V. nodal artery predominantly originates from the terminal part of the RCA (80%).
Small Arteries and Their Pathological Significance
Small arteries in the heart, although less discussed, play a crucial role in the overall cardiac function. These arteries are often involved in pathological conditions such as coronary artery disease. They are also significant in electrophysiological and pharmacological research due to their responsiveness to various stimuli.
Collateral Circulation: A Protective Mechanism
Collateral arteries, which interconnect epicardial coronary arteries, provide an alternative blood supply to the myocardium in cases of occlusive coronary artery disease. These vessels are functionally relevant and can be assessed using intracoronary pressure measurements. Recent studies have shown promising results in inducing the growth of collateral arteries using external counterpulsation or growth factors like granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) .
Hyperreactivity and Coronary Spasm
Coronary arteries in cardiac patients are often hyperreactive and contain higher concentrations of histamine and serotonin compared to non-cardiac patients. This hyperreactivity can lead to coronary artery spasms, which are a significant concern in heart disease.
Vascular Communications and Myocardial Nourishment
There are vascular communications between the coronary arteries and the chambers of the heart, known as arterio-luminal and arterio-sinusoidal vessels. These vessels play a role in the nourishment of the heart muscle by allowing direct blood flow from the arteries into the heart chambers or between muscle fibers.
Cellular Composition of Cardiac Arteries
Recent single-cell sequencing studies have identified various cell types within the walls of human cardiac arteries, including vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, T cells, and endothelial cells. These findings provide insights into the cellular interactions and potential targets for therapeutic strategies in vascular diseases.
Conclusion
The arteries of the heart, including the coronary and atrial arteries, play a critical role in maintaining cardiac function. Understanding their anatomy, variability, and pathological significance is essential for diagnosing and treating heart diseases. Advances in research, particularly in the study of collateral circulation and cellular composition, offer promising avenues for future therapeutic interventions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic