Where is coronary sinus

Main navigation Main content. Location: The coronary sinus is located in the posterior portion of the coronary sulcus on the diaphragmatic or posterior surface of the heart. The coronary sinus empties directly into the right atrium near the conjunction of the posterior interventricular sulcus and the coronary sulcus crux cordis area , located between the inferior vena cava and tricuspid valve; this atrial ostium can be partially covered by a Thebesian valve, although the anatomy of this valve is highly variable.

The coronary sinus receives drainage from most epicardial ventricular veins, including the oblique vein of the left atrium and other left and right atrial veins , the great cardiac vein, the posterior vein of the left ventricle, the left marginal vein, and the posterior interventricular vein.

The length of the coronary sinus in adults can vary from 15 to 65 mm. Function: The coronary sinus serves as the primary collector of cardiac venous blood. The coronary sinus develops from one of the two sinus horns of the sinus venosum. The other horn becomes part of the right atrium. The right venous valve of the sinus venosum develops into the thebesian valve and the Eustachian valve.

For further detail see cardiac development. Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. Updating… Please wait. Unable to process the form.

Check for errors and try again. Thank you for updating your details. Log In. Sign Up. Become a Gold Supporter and see no ads. Log in Sign up. Articles Cases Courses Quiz. About Recent Edits Go ad-free. Edit article. View revision history Report problem with Article. The oxygenated blood travels from the left ventricle to the aorta to smaller arteries, then to small vessels called capillaries to supply cells, tissues, and organs.

The deoxygenated blood of the body returns to the right atrium of the heart via the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava. The coronary sinus delivers deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle directly into the right atrium. When heart surgery is performed, it is common that the surgeon enacts a procedure called cardioplegia. This involves deliberately stopping the heart temporarily during a surgical heart procedure. The delivery of cardioplegia through the coronary sinus has been proven effective and safe in myocardial protection.

It has even been found to be a better method of cardioplegia than the traditional method, particularly for people who are having heart surgery for the treatment of coronary artery disease. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

The University of Minnesota. Atlas of human cardiac anatomy. Comparative anatomy tutorial. University of Minnesota. Coronary sinus. Updated April 15, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated November 17, Cleveland Clinic. How does the blood flow through your heart? Updated April 30, Gundry, S.

A comparison of retrograde cardioplegia verses antegrade cardioplegia in the presence of coronary artery obstruction. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

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