Vessel
Right coronary artery
The coronary vessel following the right atrioventricular groove
High-yield
Coronary dominance describes the posterior arterial pattern; it does not mean that one artery supplies the entire heart.
Overview
The right coronary artery usually emerges from the right aortic sinus and passes into the groove between the right atrium and ventricle. It gives atrial and ventricular branches along its course. In right-dominant hearts its distal system also supplies inferior ventricular and posterior septal regions.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually the right aortic sinus
- Course
- Between the right appendage and pulmonary outlet, then around the right AV groove
- Branches
- Conus, atrial and acute marginal branches; nodal and posterior branches vary
- Supplies
- Most right-sided myocardium, with inferior left ventricular and posterior septal contributions in right dominance
- Drains to
- Small and middle cardiac veins and direct right atrial venous pathways drain parts of this territory
Clinical correlation
Right coronary occlusion can impair right ventricular or inferior myocardial function and, when nodal branches are involved, disturb rhythm or AV conduction. The combination depends on lesion location and anatomy.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the right coronary artery originate?
Usually the right aortic sinus.
What does the right coronary artery supply?
The right coronary artery supplies the most right-sided myocardium, with inferior left ventricular and posterior septal contributions in right dominance.
Where does the right coronary artery drain to?
The right coronary artery drains to the small and middle cardiac veins and direct right atrial venous pathways drain parts of this territory.
What are the branches of the right coronary artery?
Conus, atrial and acute marginal branches; nodal and posterior branches vary.