Physiological Adaptation Q 68

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Prolonged occlusion of the right coronary artery produces an infarction in which of the following areas of the heart?

  

     A. Anterior

     B. Apical

     C. Inferior

     D. Lateral

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Inferior

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The right coronary artery supplies the right ventricle or the inferior portion of the heart. Therefore, prolonged occlusion could produce an infarction in that area.

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Option A: The right coronary artery doesn’t supply the anterior portion (left ventricle) of the heart. The right coronary artery supplies blood to the right ventricle, the right atrium, and the SA (sinoatrial) and AV (atrioventricular) nodes, which regulate the heart rhythm. The right coronary artery divides into smaller branches, including the right posterior descending artery and the acute marginal artery.

Option B: The right coronary artery does not supply to the apical portion or left ventricle of the heart. Together with the left anterior descending artery, the right coronary artery helps supply blood to the middle or septum of the heart.

Option D: The right coronary artery does not supply to the lateral portion (some of the left ventricle and the left atrium) of the heart. The left main coronary artery supplies blood to the left side of the heart muscle (the left ventricle and left atrium).

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