Middle cardiac vein

Definition

The middle cardiac vein is a major blood vessel that runs along the posterior part of the heart's interventricular groove, collecting deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle (myocardium) and delivering it into the coronary sinus, which then empties into the right atrium. It plays a critical role in the heart's venous drainage system.

Related terms

Coronary Sinus: A large venous channel that collects blood from the heart muscle via several veins, including the middle cardiac vein, and delivers it to the right atrium.

Right Atrium: The right upper chamber of the heart that receives deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body through venues like the coronary sinus and pumps it into the right ventricle.

Myocardium: The muscular tissue of the heart that contracts to pump blood throughout the body and relies on vessels like the middle cardiac vein for drainage and supply