Anterior interventricular artery (LAD)

UPDATED: The [anterior interventricular artery] is one of the two branches of the left coronary artery, the other one being the circumflex artery (CFX). Although the name "anterior interventricular artery" is the anatomical name, this artery is most commonly known by its clinical name, the [left anterior descending artery], or LAD.

The LAD lies deep to the epicardium in the subepicardial fatty layer. It gives off several important branches, including one or two (sometimes three) large diagonal arteries that provide blood supply to the anterior aspect of the left ventricle. Also of importance, the LAD provides several septal perforator arteries that provide blood supply to the anterior 2/3rds of the interventricular septum.

Coronary Arteries. The [*] indicates the left coronary artery
Because of the extensive arterial territory ofthe LAD, and its involvement with the left ventricle and the interventricular septum. the LAD is sometimes called by a non-clinical term: "the widow-maker".

There can be interesting anatomical variations in the coronary arteries of the heart. For a detail on these anatomical variations, click here. Heart and coronary artery anatomy is one of the many lecture topics presented by CAA, Inc

Image property of: CAA.Inc.Artist: Victoria G. Ratcliffe

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