Anterior view of the heart

The acute marginal artery is the longest branch of the right coronary artery on the anterior aspect of the heart and extends towards the cardiac apex. The name reflects the fact that this artery runs along the anteroinferior border of the heart called the “margo acutus” in Latin or the “acute margin”.

The acute marginal artery is used in coronary angiography to denote the lower border of the heart.

The acute marginal artery may have a higher origin on the right coronary artery or it may arise from one of the lower right ventricular arteries. There are anatomical variations of the acute marginal artery where this artery actually may provide blood supply to the left ventricle of the heart.

Sources:
1. "Gray's Anatomy" 38th British Ed. Churchill Livingstone 1995
2. “Variable anatomy of the right coronary artery supply to the left ventricle”  Adams, J. Treasure, T. Thorax 1985;40:618-623
4. "Anatomy of the Human Body" Henry Gray 1918. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger
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