Which artery primarily supplies blood to the inferior aspect of the left ventricle?

The right coronary artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the inferior aspect of the left ventricle. This artery arises from the right side of the aortic base and gives off the posterior descending artery (PDA) in most individuals. The PDA runs in the interventricular sulcus and supplies blood to the inferior wall of the left ventricle, which is crucial for the proper functioning of this region.

In contrast, while the circumflex artery branches off the left coronary artery and nourishes the lateral and posterior walls of the left ventricle, it does not dominate the inferior supply. The left main coronary artery divides into the circumflex and left anterior descending arteries, both of which primarily supply the anterior and lateral walls rather than the inferior aspect. The left anterior descending artery predominantly supplies the anterior wall and the interventricular septum.

Thus, the right coronary artery’s critical role in supplying blood to the inferior left ventricle highlights its importance in maintaining cardiac function, especially in the context of coronary artery disease or myocardial infarctions affecting this region.