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Third coronary artery

Almira Lujinović1, Fehim Ovcina, Ademir Tursić

  • 1Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Cekalusa 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
|September 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Supernumerary coronary arteries, like the conal artery (termed the third coronary artery), are present in 32% of human hearts. These vessels, arising from the aorta, can form important collateral circulation pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Anatomy
  • Human Anatomy
  • Coronary Artery Anatomy

Background:

  • The human heart is typically supplied by two main coronary arteries: the right and left.
  • Supernumerary coronary arteries, originating from the aorta, can also occur, influencing cardiac vascularization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence, frequency, origin, branching patterns, and anastomoses of supernumerary coronary arteries arising directly from the aorta.
  • To propose a distinct terminology for a frequently observed supernumerary artery.

Main Methods:

  • Dissection of 25 human hearts.
  • Detailed examination of coronary artery origins, branching, and anastomoses.

Main Results:

  • A conal artery, proposed as the 'third coronary artery', was identified in 8 out of 25 hearts (32%).
  • One heart (4%) exhibited four coronary arteries, with supernumerary vessels originating from the right aortic sinus.
  • The 'third coronary artery' frequently anastomoses with the anterior interventricular branch, suggesting a role in collateral circulation.

Conclusions:

  • Supernumerary coronary arteries, particularly the 'third coronary artery', are a notable anatomical variation.
  • The 'third coronary artery' serves as a significant collateral pathway in coronary circulation.
  • Accurate terminology is crucial for differentiating supernumerary vessels from typical coronary branches.

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