The coronary circulation primarily serves to supply blood to which tissue?

The coronary circulation primarily serves to supply blood to which tissue?

• A. Lungs
• B. Heart wall
• C. Liver
• D. Brain

Answer: (B)

Coronary circulation is the heart’s own blood supply, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle (the myocardium) that powers every beat. The arteries originate from the base of the aorta and branch to reach all regions of the heart wall, meeting the high energy needs of cardiac tissue. Because the heart contracts vigorously, most of the blood flow to these vessels occurs when the heart is relaxed (diastole), when the chambers aren’t squeezing and the vessels aren’t being compressed. Venous blood from the myocardium drains via the coronary sinus back into the right atrium. Other organs like the lungs, brain, and liver have their own separate circulations, so the coronary system is specifically focused on nourishing the heart muscle.

Coronary circulation is the heart’s own blood supply, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle (the myocardium) that powers every beat. The arteries originate from the base of the aorta and branch to reach all regions of the heart wall, meeting the high energy needs of cardiac tissue. Because the heart contracts vigorously, most of the blood flow to these vessels occurs when the heart is relaxed (diastole), when the chambers aren’t squeezing and the vessels aren’t being compressed. Venous blood from the myocardium drains via the coronary sinus back into the right atrium. Other organs like the lungs, brain, and liver have their own separate circulations, so the coronary system is specifically focused on nourishing the heart muscle.