Atrial Artery (Noun)
Meaning
The branch of the coronary artery that supplies the muscles of the atria.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The right atrial artery is usually the smallest branch that branches off from the right coronary artery to supply the right atrium.
- A key distinction is made during medical procedures that require avoiding the atrial artery near the sinoatrial node to minimize disturbances to the heart's rhythm.
- Typically originating from the right coronary artery, the atrial artery remains imperative in providing blood supply to the atrial musculature.
- Depending on the particular individual's coronary anatomy, it may arise from either the right or the left circumflex branch to supply the left atrial muscle tissues.
- Rare coronary artery anomalies such as having an accessory atrial artery that branches off directly from the ascending aorta may cause difficulties during some surgeries.