The Coronary Circulation
The coronary circulation consists of the blood
vessels that supply blood and oxygen to, and remove blood
from, the heart giving the heart strength to pump.
- Coronary arteries are the vessels that
supply blood high in oxygen to the heart.
- Cardiac veins are the vessels that remove
the deoxygenated blood from the heart.
The coronary arteries that run on the surface of
the heart are called epicardial coronary arteries.
These arteries, when healthy, are capable of auto regulation to
maintain coronary blood flow at levels appropriate to the needs
of the heart muscle myocardium.
These relatively narrow vessels are commonly affected
by atherosclerosis and
can become blocked, causing angina or
a myocardial infarction or heart
attack.
The coronary arteries are classified as "end circulation",
since they represent the only source of blood supply to the myocardium:
there is very little redundant blood supply, which is why blockage
of these vessels can be so critical.
Here you can find a good coronary
circulation animation.
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Heart
