Anterior cardiac veins
:background_color(FFFFFF):format(jpeg)/images/library/13605/nRKli1SdVY9eZINaAUjPDw_V._ventriculi_dextri_anterior_02.png "Anterior cardiac veins (Venae anteriores cordis)"){kind=logo}
Anterior cardiac veins (Venae anteriores cordis)
The function of the anterior cardiac veins is to drain the upper anterior portion of the myocardium of the right ventricle. These veins empty directly into the right atrium, unlike the majority of the cardiac veins that empty into the coronary sinus.
This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the anterior cardiac veins.
| Drains to | Right atrium of the heart |
| Drainage area | Upper part of the anterior surface of the right ventricle |
Anatomy and course
The 3-5 anterior cardiac veins emerge on the anterior surface of the right ventricle. They course horizontally across the surface of the ventricle, located deep to the epicardial layer of the heart. The anterior cardiac veins reach the atrioventricular groove, where they pass deep to the right coronary artery and empty directly into the right atrium.
Sometimes, the anterior cardiac veins may converge into a common vessel before entering the atrium. The function of the anterior cardiac veins is to drain the venous blood of the upper part of the anterior surface of the right ventricle.
