Which part of the heart is primarily supplied by the right coronary artery?

The right coronary artery is primarily responsible for supplying the blood to the posterior part of the left ventricle (LV), particularly in the right-dominant coronary circulation, which is common in a significant portion of the population. This supply includes the inferior wall of the heart, making it crucial for the perfusion of this area during diastole.

The posterior branch of the right coronary artery and its circumflex branches effectively perfuse the inferior area of the left ventricle, as well as portions of the interventricular septum in certain anatomical configurations. This is particularly important for maintaining the function of the heart as it plays a role in efficient muscular contractions and overall cardiac output.

In contrast, the anterior left ventricle and the lateral wall are primarily supplied by the left coronary artery (specifically the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries), while the apex of the heart can receive contributions from both coronary arteries but is predominantly supplied by the left anterior descending artery. Understanding this distribution is essential in anatomic and clinical contexts, particularly when evaluating conditions like ischemia or administering interventions that may impact blood flow to these areas.