Sanjay Kumar Sinha1, Vipin Kumar2, Madhu Sinha3, Pramod Kumar Agrawal4
ABSTRACT: The heart is supplied by two coronary arteries and their branches. Variations occur occasionally in their origin and patterns of distribution. The coronary circulation and its collateral circulation has long been a topic of interest. The branches of the coronary arteries are generally considered to be functionally end arteries. However anastomoses do exist between branches of coronary arteries on the surface of the heart and between these arteries and extra cardiac vessels. These collaterals may or may not be well developed in individuals with normal cardiac anatomy. Vulnerability of an individual to develop coronary collaterals may characterize the myocardial susceptibility hence knowledge of branching pattern and mechanisms involved in formation of collaterals may aid in the treatment of coronary heart diseases.
