The developmental study on the third coronary artery of human being

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Anatomy
• Human Embryology
• Congenital Heart Variants

Background:

• The 3rd coronary artery is a recognized normal variant originating from the right coronary artery.
• Understanding its incidence and development is crucial for cardiovascular research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and anatomical characteristics of the 3rd coronary artery in human fetal and adult hearts.
• To compare the prevalence and orifice locations between fetal and adult populations.

Main Methods:

• Stereoscopic comparative investigation of 218 human fetal hearts (13-40 weeks) and adult hearts (18-88 years).
• Analysis of the incidence, sexual differences, and orifice locations of the 3rd coronary artery.
• Examination of anastomoses with other coronary branches.

Main Results:

• The 3rd coronary artery was found in 20.6% of fetuses and 36.8% of adults, with no significant sexual dimorphism.
• Orifice location predominantly at 9 o'clock in both fetuses and adults, with variations in pathological adult hearts.
• Multiple orifices were observed in adults but not in fetuses, and anastomoses were present in the fetal stage.

Conclusions:

• The 3rd coronary artery demonstrates a higher incidence in adults compared to fetuses.
• The presence of multiple orifices in adults suggests potential postnatal development of the 3rd coronary artery.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the developmental trajectory of this coronary artery variant.