Coronary veins

Definition

Coronary veins are blood vessels that drain deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle (myocardium) and return it to the right atrium. They play a crucial role in the heart's own circulation by ensuring the removal of metabolic wastes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coronary veins work in conjunction with coronary arteries to maintain the heart's blood supply.
2. The great cardiac vein is one of the major coronary veins and runs alongside the anterior interventricular artery.
3. Coronary veins drain into the coronary sinus, which then empties directly into the right atrium.
4. Smaller coronary veins include the middle cardiac vein and small cardiac vein, each draining specific areas of the myocardium.
5. The function of coronary veins is essential for removing carbon dioxide and other waste products from heart tissues.

Related terms

Coronary Arteries: Blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.

Myocardium: The muscular tissue of the heart responsible for contracting and pumping blood.

Coronary Sinus: A large vein on the posterior side of the heart where most of the coronary veins empty their deoxygenated blood.