Vessel
Left marginal (obtuse marginal) artery
Circumflex branches serving the lateral left ventricle
High-yield
Obtuse marginal branches belong to the circumflex system and supply the left ventricular free wall.
Overview
Obtuse marginal arteries leave the circumflex and travel over the lateral left ventricular wall. Their number and size differ between hearts, so the term may identify one prominent vessel or several branches rather than a single fixed artery.
Reference facts
- Origin
- The circumflex coronary artery
- Course
- From the left AV groove across the lateral ventricular surface toward the apex
- Branches
- Variable muscular branches, often from more than one obtuse marginal vessel
- Supplies
- Lateral left ventricular myocardium, sometimes including part of papillary-muscle supply
- Drains to
- Lateral cardiac veins carry the territory's venous return toward the great cardiac vein or coronary sinus
Clinical correlation
A significant marginal-branch obstruction can reduce perfusion of its lateral ventricular territory. The amount of myocardium at risk depends on that branch's distribution.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the left marginal (obtuse marginal) artery originate?
The circumflex coronary artery.
What does the left marginal (obtuse marginal) artery supply?
Lateral left ventricular myocardium, sometimes including part of papillary-muscle supply.
Where does the left marginal (obtuse marginal) artery drain to?
Lateral cardiac veins carry the territory's venous return toward the great cardiac vein or coronary sinus.
What are the branches of the left marginal (obtuse marginal) artery?
Branches of the left marginal (obtuse marginal) artery include the variable muscular branches, often from more than one obtuse marginal vessel.