Anterior interventricular artery
Arteria interventricularis anterior
- Latin synonym: Ramus interventricularis anterior arteriae coronariae sinistrae
- Synonym: Anterior interventricular branch of left coronary artery; Left anterior descending artery
- Acronym: LAD
- Related terms: Anterior interventricular branch
Definition
The anterior interventricular artery (left anterior descending; LAD) artery originates from the left coronary artery (LMCA), which arises from the left coronary sinus. The LAD travels in the anterior interventricular sulcus, extending towards the apex of the heart. Along its course, the LAD gives off several important branches, including the left conus artery, septal perforators, and diagonal branches.[
The LAD is responsible for supplying blood to the anterior wall of the left ventricle, the anterior two-thirds of the interventricular septum, and the apex of the heart. Anatomically, the LAD can be divided into proximal, mid, and distal segments, with the proximal segment being the most common site for atherosclerotic lesions that can lead to myocardial infarction.
Anomalies in the LAD, such as duplication or myocardial bridging, can occur but are relatively rare. Duplication involves the presence of two parallel LAD arteries, while myocardial bridging refers to a segment of the LAD that tunnels through the myocardium rather than lying on the epicardial surface.
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