Which of the Following is True of the Coronary Arteries

Question

Which of the following is true of the coronary arteries?
A) They drain into the right atrium inferior to the opening of the inferior vena cava.
B) Together they supply a small portion of the cardiac muscle with oxygen.
C) They originate at the base of the ascending aorta and are the first branches off this vessel.
D) They transport blood directly into the ascending aorta.
E) Blood pressure in these vessels is the lowest found anywhere in the systemic circuit.

Accepted Answer

The coronary arteries originate at the base of the ascending aorta and are the first branches off this vessel, providing oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.

Answer: B
 Although the heart muscle is relatively small compared to other organs, it requires a large supply of oxygen to function properly. The coronary arteries are responsible for delivering this oxygen-rich blood to a small portion of the cardiac muscle.

Therefore, both choices B and C are true statements about the coronary arteries.