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    Related Topics

    From Cardiovascular System

    Left Atrium
    Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
    Brachiocephalic Veins
    Formed by the union of subclavian and internal jugular veins.
    Abdominal Aorta
    Part of descending aorta within the abdomen.
    Common Iliac Veins
    Drain blood from the pelvis and lower limbs.
    Auricles
    Small muscular pouches of each atrium.
    Common Carotid Arteries
    Major arteries supplying blood to the head and neck.
    Right Atrium
    Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
    Right Superior Pulmonary Vein
    Returns oxygenated blood from right lung.
    External Jugular Veins
    Drain blood from the face and scalp.
    Left Inferior Pulmonary Vein
    Returns oxygenated blood from left lung.
    Ulnar Arteries
    Supply the medial aspect of the forearm and hand.
    Mitral Valve
    Valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.
    Anterior Interventricular Branch
    Supplies anterior interventricular septum (LAD).
    Interventricular Septum
    Wall separating the left and right ventricles.
    Small Cardiac Vein
    Drains right atrium and ventricle.
    Serous Pericardium
    Inner layer of the pericardium consisting of parietal and visceral layers.
    Median Cubital Vein
    Connects cephalic and basilic veins at the elbow.
    Pulmonary Trunk
    Carries deoxygenated blood from right ventricle to lungs.
    Trabeculae Carneae
    Irregular muscular columns on the walls of the ventricles.
    Axillary Arteries
    Continuation of subclavian arteries into the armpit.
    Pulmonary Valve
    Valve between right ventricle and pulmonary trunk.
    Circumflex Branch
    Curves around to the posterior heart.
    Axillary Veins
    Drain the upper limbs and join with subclavian veins.
    Left Ventricle
    Pumps oxygenated blood into systemic circulation.
    Anterior Cardiac Veins
    Drain directly into the right atrium.

    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? The heart generates electrical impulses, allowing it to beat without external signals.