The Function of Coronary Arteries

Located inside of the heart, the coronary arteries are vital to the health of the heart and the rest of the body, and problems with their functioning can lead to coronary heart disease. Since the American Heart Association reports that coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, understanding the vital role of healthy coronary arteries is an important public health issue.

Identification

The coronary arteries are small tubes or blood vessels contained in the heart, reports the University of Virginia Health System.

Function

The primary function of the coronary arteries is to carry blood into the heart.

Types of Main Aeteries

The right coronary article provides blood to the right atrium and ventricle while the left coronary artery leads blood to the left chambers of the heart.

Types of Minor Arteries

Two smaller arteries called the circumflex and left descending arteries branch off from the left coronary artery and provide blood to the front, sides and back of the heart.

Benefits

The blood carried by the coronary arteries provides oxygen to the heart muscle, keeping it healthy and functioning properly. This in turn allows the heart to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body, which is necessary for proper functioning of organs and the brain.

References

• University of Virginia Health System
• American Heart Association Statistics

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish