Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The left circumflex artery is responsible for supplying blood to the lateral wall of the left ventricle. It branches from the left coronary artery and extends along the left atrioventricular groove, providing essential oxygenated blood to the lateral and posterior aspects of the left ventricle. This area is crucial for the heart's pumping function, as it contributes significantly to the contractile activity of the ventricle during systole.

The right coronary artery primarily supplies the right side of the heart, including the right atrium and ventricle, as well as the inferior wall of the left ventricle in most individuals, which makes it less relevant for blood supply to the lateral wall. The innominate artery, also known as the brachiocephalic trunk, branches into the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries and is not involved in supplying the heart muscle. The left anterior descending artery mainly supplies the anterior wall of the left ventricle and the interventricular septum. Thus, while it plays a critical role in overall left ventricular perfusion, it does not supply the lateral wall, further highlighting the importance of the left circumflex artery in this context.