[Coronary arteries and their variations. An embryological explanation]

Area of Science:

• Embryology
• Cardiovascular Anatomy

Context:

• The development of the coronary arterial system is crucial for cardiac function.
• Understanding the embryonic origins of coronary arteries aids in identifying congenital anomalies.

Purpose:

• To describe the embryological origin of the main coronary arteries from three distinct vascular circles.
• To elucidate the formation of the definitive coronary arterial circulation.

Summary:

• The right coronary artery and left circumflex artery arise from the atrioventricular circle.
• The anterior and posterior descending coronary arteries originate from the interampullary circle.
• The conotruncal circle (circle of Vieussens) connects with the truncus arteriosus and anastomoses with other circles, completing coronary circulation.

Impact:

• Provides a foundational understanding of coronary artery development.
• Aids in the interpretation of anatomical variations and potential pathologies of the coronary arteries.