Intermediate branch [Left ventricular marginal artery]

The intermediate branch (left ventricular marginal artery; left marginal branch in humans), arises from the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery along its course within the coronary groove.

It originates on the auricular surface of the heart and descends along the left ventricular margin, following the obtuse border of the heart toward the apex. Its trajectory is directed ventrally and slightly cranially, running over the lateral wall of the left ventricle.

Along its course, this branch gives off numerous ventricular branches that penetrate the myocardium of the left ventricular free wall. These branches are responsible for supplying the lateral aspect of the left ventricle, particularly its middle and distal portions.

The intermediate branch may vary in size and development depending on the species and individual coronary pattern. It can form anastomoses near the apex with terminal branches of the paraconal interventricular branch or, less frequently, with branches of the subsinuosal interventricular branch.