The heart is a pumping device for blood. Is there a separate blood supply for the heart wall?
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Matthew Cotton
Graduate entry medical student with a 1st class Masters and BSc
Hi Liam, you are correct, the heart does have its own blood supply. It originates at the base of the main artery that leaves the heart, which is called the aorta. Oxygenated blood in the left ventricle passes into the aorta when the heart contracts. Thean when the heart relaxes the valves into aorta close. The blood that’s now in the aorta flows through small outlets into the hearts own blood vessels. These are called the coronary areteries. These are arranged to provide oxygenated blood to the heart wall and are drained back into the heart. I hope that helps!
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