What is the primary role of the coronary arteries?

• A. To supply blood to the myocardium
• B. To drain blood from the heart muscle
• C. To regulate heart rate by neural input
• D. To carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs

Answer: (A)

Coronary arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself, the myocardium, so it has the energy it needs to contract continuously. This perfusion is essential because the myocardium has a high metabolic demand and relies on a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function.

The other functions described belong to different parts of the circulatory system. Draining blood from the heart muscle is done by the coronary veins into the coronary sinus, not the arteries. Regulation of heart rate is controlled by the autonomic nervous system acting on the conduction system, not by the coronary arteries. Carrying deoxygenated blood to the lungs is the job of the pulmonary circulation via the pulmonary arteries, not the coronary arteries.