The left coronary artery originates from the aorta above the left cusp of the aortic valve. It supplies blood to the left side of the heart muscle. The artery typically extends 10-25 mm before bifurcating into the LAD and LCX. The term "LCA" may refer to only the left main artery or the entire left main and its branches. Sometimes, an additional artery forms a trifurcation called the ramus or intermediate artery
Coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood to heart muscle. Two coronary arteries originate from left ventricle root. Cardiac veins drain deoxygenated blood to right atrium
Cardiac muscle forms the main tissue of the heart wall. It lies between the outer pericardium and inner endocardium layers. Cardiomyocytes are connected by intercalated discs and surrounded by extracellular matrix. Cardiac cells are 100-150μm long and contain myofibrils organized into sarcomeres
Located in right ventricle's superior portion on right dorsal heart side. Usually has three leaflets: anterior, posterior, and septal. Closes during systole to prevent backflow, opens during diastole. May have two or four leaflets, number can change over lifetime
Cardiac CT with ECG provides better heart image quality than other CT scans. Heart orientation differs: right ventricle anterior, left ventricle posterior. Heart position varies: vertical in youth, horizontal in older people
Cardiovascular system transports blood through vessels for nutrient and oxygen delivery. System consists of pulmonary and systemic circuits with arterial, capillary, and venous components. Arteries receive blood at high pressure and velocity, branching into arterioles. Capillaries are thin, permeable vessels distributing nutrients and waste products. Veins return blood to heart under low pressure