AEMCA Practice Exam

What area of the heart is fed by the circumflex artery?

1. Anterior left ventricle

2. Lateral and posterior left ventricle

3. Inferior wall of the heart

4. Right ventricle

The correct answer is: Lateral and posterior left ventricle

The circumflex artery primarily supplies blood to the lateral and posterior aspects of the left ventricle. This artery branches off from the left coronary artery and extends around the heart's left atrium, providing important blood flow to areas that are crucial for efficient cardiac function. The regions it nourishes are significant because they play a vital role in the overall pumping mechanism of the heart and ensure that the entire left ventricle, particularly its lateral and posterior walls, receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients to support muscular contractions. The anterior left ventricle is mainly supplied by the left anterior descending artery. Similarly, the inferior wall of the heart is primarily fed by the right coronary artery, particularly if there is right dominance in the coronary system. The right ventricle (although it receives some blood from the right coronary artery) is not primarily served by the circumflex artery, which further supports why the correct option emphasizes the role of the circumflex artery in the lateral and posterior regions of the left ventricle.