From the Guidelines
The inferior wall of the heart is primarily composed of the diaphragmatic surface of the left ventricle and a portion of the right ventricle, including key structures such as the inferior myocardium, posterior descending artery, and portions of the mitral and tricuspid valve apparatus. The inferior wall rests on the diaphragm and contains thick muscular tissue that provides powerful contractions to pump blood throughout the body 1. The posterior descending artery, typically a branch of the right coronary artery in about 80% of people (right dominant circulation), supplies blood to this region 1. This wall also contains portions of the mitral and tricuspid valve apparatus, including papillary muscles and chordae tendineae that prevent valve regurgitation during contraction. The inferior interventricular septum separates the left and right ventricles in this region. Understanding these structures is important because the inferior wall is commonly affected in certain types of myocardial infarctions, particularly those involving the right coronary artery, which can lead to specific ECG changes in the inferior leads (II, III, and aVF) and distinct clinical presentations 1.
Some of the key structures of the inferior wall of the heart include:
- Inferior myocardium of the left ventricle
- Posterior descending artery
- Portions of the mitral and tricuspid valve apparatus
- Papillary muscles and chordae tendineae
- Inferior interventricular septum
These structures work together to ensure proper cardiac function, and damage to any of these areas can lead to significant morbidity and mortality 1.
In clinical practice, understanding the anatomy of the inferior wall of the heart is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions such as myocardial infarction, which can affect this region 1.
From the Research
Structures of the Inferior Wall of the Heart
The inferior wall of the heart is composed of several structures, including:
- The right ventricle, which is supplied by the right coronary artery (RCA) 2
- The left ventricle, which is supplied by the left anterior descending (LAD) artery and the RCA 3
- The inferior wall is also supplied by the posterior descending artery (PDA), which is a branch of the RCA 2
Blood Supply to the Inferior Wall
The blood supply to the inferior wall of the heart is primarily provided by the RCA, which arises from the aortic sinus and passes between the aorta and the main pulmonary artery 2. The RCA then divides into several branches, including the PDA, which supplies the inferior wall of the heart.
Clinical Implications
The structures of the inferior wall of the heart are clinically important, as they can be affected by various cardiovascular conditions, such as myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease 3, 2, 4, 5. Understanding the anatomy and blood supply of the inferior wall is essential for diagnosing and managing these conditions.