Left Coronary Artery on:
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The left coronary artery (LCA, also known as the left main coronary artery, or left main stem coronary artery) is a coronary artery that arises from the
File:Coronary arteries 1.jpg, Left coronary artery
File:Cardiac vessels.png, Cardiac vessels
File:Gray505.png, The aortic arch and its branches
File:Gray506.svg, Diagram of the arch
File:Human heart with coronary arteries new.png, Human heart with coronary arteries
File:Heart left lateral coronaries diagram.svg, Heart left lateral coronaries diagram
File:AMI scheme.png, Diagram of a myocardial infarction
File:Ha1.jpg, A coronary angiogram that shows the LMCA, LAD, and LCX
File:Aortic stenosis rotated.jpg,
The left coronary artery (LCA, also known as the left main coronary artery, or left main stem coronary artery) is a coronary artery that arises from the aorta
The aorta ( ; : aortas or aortae) is the main and largest artery in the human body, originating from the Ventricle (heart), left ventricle of the heart, branching upwards immediately after, and extending down to the abdomen, where it splits at ...
above the left cusp of the aortic valve, and supplies blood to the left side of the heart muscle. The left coronary artery typically runs for 10–25 mm, then bifurcates into the left anterior descending artery, and the left circumflex artery.
The part that is between the aorta and the bifurcation only is known as the left main artery (LM), while the term "LCA" might refer to just the left main, or to the left main and all its eventual branches.
Structure
Variation
Sometimes, an additional artery arises at the bifurcation of the left main artery, forming a trifurcation; this extra artery is called the ''ramus'' or ''intermediate artery''. A "first septal branch" is sometimes described.Additional images
Autopsy
An autopsy (also referred to as post-mortem examination, obduction, necropsy, or autopsia cadaverum) is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode, and manner of deat ...
specimen showing the coronary ostia and proximal segments of the coronary arteries. Compare with Gray's Anatomy drawing above.
File:Slide2vvvv.JPG, Left coronary artery
File:Slide18bek.JPG, Left coronary artery. Plastination technique
File:Slide19gen.JPG, Left coronary artery. Plastination technique
See also
*Coronary circulation
Coronary circulation is the Circulatory system#Coronary vessels, circulation of blood in the arteries and veins that supply the cardiac muscle, heart muscle (myocardium).
Coronary arteries supply oxygen saturation (medicine), oxygenated blood to ...
* Pete Maravich – American basketball player whose congenital lack of a left coronary artery lead to his death at age 40
References
External links
* – "Anterior view of the heart." * {{Authority control Arteries of the thorax