The right coronary artery (RCA) is one of two major arteries supplying heart walls. It arises from the proximal ascending aorta and provides branches mainly to the right side of the heart. However, if dominant, it also supplies the posterior and inferior aspects of the left side.

Origin

The RCA arises from the root of the ascending aorta. It starts from the right coronary ostium found in the right coronary sinus (right sinus of Valsalva), immediately above the right coronary cusp of the aortic valve.

In most individuals, the right coronary artery originates as a single branch. However, as many as four branches can be seen arising from the right coronary ostium.

Course

After the right coronary artery arises, it passes between the right auricle and the pulmonary trunk (Read more!) and descends inferolaterally to reach the right half of the coronary sulcus. Further, the RCA descends within the coronary sulcus, crosses the right margin of the heart (Read more!), enters the diaphragmatic surface and continues to travel toward the cardiac crux.

Finally, the RCA crosses the crux of the heart and anastomoses with the left circumflex artery (LCx), which arises from the left coronary artery (LCA). If the RCA is a dominant artery, before it anastomoses with the LCx, it gives rise to the posterior descending artery (PDA) (Read more!) that travels within the posterior interventricular sulcus.

Supply

Overall, the RCA and its branches supply the following parts of the heart:

Right atrium
Posterior and partially anterior walls of the right ventricle
Interatrial septum
All papillary muscles of the right ventricle
Posterior papillary muscle of the left ventricle
Atrioventricular (AV) node
Sinoatrial (SA) node

Note: In a right dominant circulation, the RCA also supplies the posterior and inferior aspects of the left ventricle, as well as the posterior one-third of the interventricular septum.

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Right coronary artery (RCA)