Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: There are two coronary arteries, right and left. Sometimes supernumerary arteries may arise from the anterior aortic sinus. Commonest among them is the third coronary artery. The present study was conducted to study on the origin of third coronary artery in human cadavers. Materials & Methods: 56 formalin fixed human cadaveric hearts were collected from the department of Anatomy and Forensic Medicine.Specimens were collected as block dissection of the heart along with associated structures like ascending aorta, pulmonary trunk.The right, left and third coronary arteries were dissected meticulously. Results: Extent of third coronary artery was ends over right ventricular outflow tract (infundibulum) in 30 cases, extends up to middle of the anterior wall of right ventricle in 16, TCA larger than RCA extending up to inferior border of heart in 6 and TCA larger than RCA and ending by anastomosing with anterior interventricular branch of left coronary at apex of the heart in 4 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Third coronary artery takes part to perfuse apical and septal area by anastomosing with branches of left anterior descending artery.