Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which artery is responsible for supplying blood to the anterior left ventricle?

1. left circumflex artery

2. right coronary artery

3. posterior descending coronary artery

4. left anterior descending coronary artery

The correct answer is: left anterior descending coronary artery

The left anterior descending coronary artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the anterior wall of the left ventricle. It branches off from the left coronary artery and descends along the interventricular septum, distributing blood to both the anterior surface of the left ventricle and parts of the interventricular septum. This area of the heart is vital for maintaining effective cardiac output, as the anterior wall is an essential contributor to the heart's pumping function. Additionally, the left anterior descending is sometimes referred to as the “widow maker” because an obstruction in this artery can lead to significant myocardial infarction given its extensive supply to critical areas of the heart. Understanding the function of this artery is fundamental in clinical scenarios, especially in the context of coronary artery disease, where ischemia may occur due to blockages. The other options do not supply blood to the anterior left ventricle: the left circumflex artery typically supplies the lateral wall, the right coronary artery mainly supplies the right ventricle and parts of the inferior wall, and the posterior descending coronary artery supplies the inferior aspect of the heart and the posterior wall, none of which include the anterior left ventricle.