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What are the major branches of the left coronary artery and what do they supply?

The left coronary artery divides into two major branches: the anterior interventricular artery and the circumflex artery. The anterior interventricular artery supplies the interventricular septum and the anterior walls of both ventricles. The circumflex artery supplies the left atrium and the posterior walls of the left ventricle.

According to the text, the left coronary artery runs toward the left side of the heart and then divides into two major branches. The anterior interventricular artery, also called the left anterior descending artery clinically, follows the anterior interventricular sulcus and supplies blood to the interventricular septum and the anterior walls of both ventricles. The circumflex artery supplies the left atrium and the posterior walls of the left ventricle. These two branches are the major branches of the left coronary artery described in the source.

Key points

  • The left coronary artery divides into the anterior interventricular artery and the circumflex artery.
  • The anterior interventricular artery is also known clinically as the left anterior descending artery.
  • The anterior interventricular artery supplies the interventricular septum and the anterior walls of both ventricles.
  • The circumflex artery supplies the left atrium and the posterior walls of the left ventricle.
Source:Anatomy Physiology by Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn· The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels· p. 621–638
Cover of Anatomy  Physiology by Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Anatomy Physiology by Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Elaine N. Marieb and Katja Hoehn

Sixth Edition

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