Which papillary muscle receives blood supply from the RCA?

The posterolateral papillary muscle typically receives its blood supply from the right coronary artery (RCA). This muscle is located in the left ventricle, and its role is crucial in the function of the mitral valve by anchoring the valve leaflets via chordae tendineae to prevent regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction.

In clinical practice, understanding which structures are supplied by specific coronary arteries is essential for diagnosing conditions such as ischemia or myocardial infarction, as well as for planning interventions. The anatomy surrounding the coronary arteries can result in variations, but the posterolateral papillary muscle generally depends on the RCA for its blood supply in most right-dominant coronary circulation systems.

In contrast, the anterior papillary muscle is primarily supplied by the left anterior descending artery, while the septal muscle does receive some supply from the RCA but largely from the left coronary circulation. The apex, being at the tip of the left ventricle, has variable supply mainly from the left, specifically the left anterior descending artery and circumflex artery. This distinction is crucial for understanding the heart's blood supply and the implications of coronary artery disease on the function of these key cardiac structures.