Definition: One of several small arteries solely responsible for supplying the heart muscle itself. The coronary arteries arise from the aorta, and are the only way in which the heart receives a constant supply of oxygen and other nutrients.
There are several main coronary arteries, each of which is responsbile for supplying a different physical area of the heart. The two most important coronary arteries are
A blockage in a coronary artery causes a heart attack, and is the target of the procedure known as angioplasty, which attempts to remove the blockage.Pronunciation: kor-o-nar-ee ahr-tu-ree
Also Known As: Coronary, Coronaries, Coronary Vessel
