where is the left anterior descending artery located
the left coronary artery
title: Left anterior descending artery text: Left anterior descending artery The left anterior descending artery (also LAD, anterior interventricular branch of left coronary artery, or anterior descending branch) is a branch of the left coronary artery. Occlusion of this artery is often called the "widow-maker infarction" due to a high death risk. It passes at first behind the pulmonary artery and then comes forward between that vessel and the left atrium to reach the anterior interventricular sulcus, along which it descends to the notch of cardiac apex. Although rare, multiple anomalous courses of the LAD have been described. These include the origin of the artery from title: Descending thoracic aorta text: the descending thoracic aorta lies the root of the left lung, the pericardium, the esophagus, and the diaphragm. The esophagus, which is covered by a nerve plexus lies to the right of the descending thoracic aorta. Lower, the esophagus passes in front of the aorta, and ultimately is situated on the left. The aorta is an artery that conveys oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body. It is one of the largest arteries in the body. The aorta gives off several paired branches as it descends. In descending order, these include the Note: The posterior intercostal title: Descending thoracic aorta text: valve. The two coronary arteries of the heart arise from the aortic root, just above the cusps of the aortic valve. The aorta then arches back over the right pulmonary artery. Three vessels come out of the aortic arch: the brachiocephalic artery, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery. These vessels supply blood to the head, neck, thorax and upper limbs. Behind the descending thoracic aorta is the vertebral column and the hemiazygos vein. To the right is the azygos veins and thoracic duct, and to the left is the left pleura and lung. In front of title: Descending aorta text: Descending aorta The descending aorta is part of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The descending aorta begins at the aortic arch that runs down through the chest and abdomen. The descending aorta anatomically consists of two portions or segments, the thoracic and the abdominal aorta, in correspondence with the two great cavities of the trunk in which it is situated. Within the abdomen, the descending aorta branches into the two common iliac arteries which serve the pelvis and eventually legs. The ductus arteriosus connects to the junction between the aortic arch and the descending aorta in foetal title: Left anterior descending artery text: the right aortic sinus. In 78% of cases, it reaches the apex of the heart. The LAD gives off two types of branches: "septals" and "diagonals". The artery supplies the anterolateral myocardium, apex, and interventricular septum. The LAD typically supplies 45-55% of the left ventricle (LV) and is therefore considered the most critical vessel in terms of myocardial blood supply. The "widow maker" is an alternate name for the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery. The name "widow maker" may also apply to the left coronary artery or severe occlusions to that artery. This term is used because