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    Related Topics

    From Cardiovascular System

    Common Iliac Veins
    Drain blood from the pelvis and lower limbs.
    Median Cubital Vein
    Connects cephalic and basilic veins at the elbow.
    Inferior Vena Cava
    Returns deoxygenated blood from lower body.
    Fibrous Pericardium
    Outer layer of the pericardium made of dense connective tissue.
    Left Common Carotid Artery
    Supplies the head and neck.
    External Carotid Artery
    Supplies blood to the face and scalp.
    Fossa Ovalis
    Remnant of the fetal foramen ovale.
    Internal Jugular Veins
    Drain blood from the brain and deep structures of the head.
    Moderator Band
    Muscular band of heart tissue found in the right ventricle.
    Left Coronary Artery
    Supplies blood to left side of heart.
    Internal Carotid Artery
    Supplies blood to the brain.
    Middle Cardiac Vein
    Drains the posterior heart.
    External Jugular Veins
    Drain blood from the face and scalp.
    Anterior Interventricular Branch
    Supplies anterior interventricular septum (LAD).
    Femoral Veins
    Major deep veins of the thigh.
    Popliteal Veins
    Drain blood from the knee region.
    Abdominal Aorta
    Part of descending aorta within the abdomen.
    Great Saphenous Vein
    Longest vein in the body, running along the leg.
    Brachiocephalic Veins
    Formed by the union of subclavian and internal jugular veins.
    Cephalic Veins
    Superficial veins of the lateral upper limb.
    Aortic Valve
    Valve between left ventricle and aorta.
    Dorsalis Pedis Arteries
    Supply blood to the dorsal surface of the foot.
    Femoral Arteries
    Main arteries supplying the thighs.
    Chordae Tendineae
    Tendon-like cords attaching valve leaflets to papillary muscles.
    Dorsal Venous Arch
    Superficial venous network on the dorsum of the foot.

    Marginal Branch

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Supplies right ventricle along the margin.

    Overview

    The marginal branch, commonly referring to the right marginal branch of the right coronary artery (RCA), is an important arterial vessel that supplies blood to the right ventricle of the heart. It is one of the key branches of the RCA and plays a significant role in maintaining adequate perfusion to the anterior portion of the right heart. Occasionally, the term "marginal branch" may also refer to the obtuse marginal branches of the left circumflex artery (LCx), which supply the lateral wall of the left ventricle. However, unless otherwise specified, "marginal branch" typically refers to the right marginal artery.

    Location

    The right marginal branch originates from the right coronary artery as it courses along the right atrioventricular (coronary) sulcus. The branch emerges near the inferior border (acute margin) of the heart and runs toward the apex. It travels along the anterior surface of the right ventricle, often visible on the external surface of the heart during dissection or imaging.

    In contrast, obtuse marginal branches (OM1, OM2, etc.) arise from the LCx and run along the left lateral margin of the heart, supplying the lateral wall of the left ventricle.

    Structure

    The right marginal branch is a relatively large artery that travels superficially along the right border of the heart. It is often accompanied by a marginal vein, which drains into the small cardiac vein. The artery itself is a muscular, medium-caliber vessel and follows a relatively straight course toward the apex of the heart.

    Its origin and branching pattern may vary slightly between individuals, but it typically branches off from the mid-portion of the right coronary artery.

    Function

    The primary function of the right marginal branch is to supply oxygenated blood to the:

    • Anterior portion of the right ventricle

    • Right border of the heart (acute margin)

    • Occasionally the apex of the heart, through collateral supply

    This perfusion is crucial to maintain contractility and electrical activity of the right ventricular free wall.

    Physiological Role(s)

    The marginal branch supports several key physiological roles in cardiovascular function:

    • Ventricular contraction: By perfusing the right ventricular myocardium, it ensures proper contraction during systole, essential for pulmonary circulation.

    • Electrophysiological stability: The artery indirectly supports the electrical conduction system by maintaining viable myocardium in areas near conduction pathways.

    • Collateral circulation: In cases of partial coronary occlusion, the marginal artery may contribute to collateral flow to the left or posterior heart regions.

    Clinical Significance

    The right marginal branch has considerable clinical importance in both ischemic and interventional cardiology:

    • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Atherosclerosis can affect the right marginal branch, leading to ischemia of the right ventricle. Symptoms may include chest pain, arrhythmias, or right-sided heart failure.

    • Myocardial Infarction: Occlusion of the right coronary artery proximal to the marginal branch can cause infarction in the right ventricular free wall. This is often identified on ECG with ST elevation in right-sided chest leads.

    • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): The marginal branch is frequently visualized and sometimes stented during right coronary angioplasty if significant stenosis is present.

    • Bypass Surgery: In cases of multivessel coronary disease, the marginal branch may be bypassed using a graft, especially if it supplies a large territory of viable myocardium.

    • Imaging: Coronary angiography and CT angiography help visualize the marginal branch for diagnosis and surgical planning.

    • Anatomical Variants: The number and size of marginal branches can vary; some individuals may have multiple right marginal arteries, while others have a dominant single vessel.

    Proper understanding of the marginal branch's anatomy and variability is essential during cardiac catheterization, coronary surgery, and in the management of right ventricular infarctions.

    Did you know? Blood vessels are classified as arteries, veins, and capillaries based on their size and function.