Which term refers to arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Coronary Arteries
• C. Jugular Vein Distention
• D. Peripheral Edema

Answer: (B)

Arterial supply to the heart muscle comes from the coronary arteries. These vessels originate from the aorta just above the aortic valve and wrap around the heart, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium. This dedicated blood supply is crucial because when the coronary arteries narrow or become blocked, heart tissue can become ischemic, leading to chest pain or a heart attack. Atherosclerosis is the broader process of plaque buildup in arteries and can affect the coronary arteries, but it’s not the specific vessels themselves. Jugular venous distention relates to venous pressure, not arterial supply, and peripheral edema describes swelling from fluid buildup, not the heart’s blood vessels.