From which artery do the coronary arteries branch?

The coronary arteries branch off from the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. This is significant because the aorta conducts oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, and the coronary arteries specifically supply blood to the heart muscle itself. The left and right coronary arteries emerge just above the aortic valve, which allows for direct access to the vital blood supply that supports cardiac function.

In contrast, the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation, and the carotid arteries supply blood to the head and neck. The subclavian artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the arms. None of these arteries have a direct role in supplying blood to the heart muscle like the coronary arteries do.