Which arteries nourish the heart muscle?

Which arteries nourish the heart muscle?

• A. Coronary arteries
• B. Pulmonary arteries
• C. Aorta
• D. Carotid arteries

Answer: (A)

The heart muscle is nourished by its own dedicated blood supply, the coronary arteries. These vessels originate from the aorta just above the aortic valve and travel over and into the heart muscle to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium. This specialized circulation is distinct from other arteries: the pulmonary arteries carry blood to the lungs, not to the heart muscle; the aorta mainly distributes blood to the rest of the body rather than specifically nourishing the heart; and the carotid arteries supply the head and neck. Knowing this helps explain why blockages in the coronary arteries can compromise the heart’s oxygen supply and lead to heart problems.

The heart muscle is nourished by its own dedicated blood supply, the coronary arteries. These vessels originate from the aorta just above the aortic valve and travel over and into the heart muscle to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium. This specialized circulation is distinct from other arteries: the pulmonary arteries carry blood to the lungs, not to the heart muscle; the aorta mainly distributes blood to the rest of the body rather than specifically nourishing the heart; and the carotid arteries supply the head and neck. Knowing this helps explain why blockages in the coronary arteries can compromise the heart’s oxygen supply and lead to heart problems.