CardiovascularVein
Small cardiac vein
Vena cardiaca parva
The small cardiac vein runs in the right atrioventricular groove alongside the right coronary artery and drains part of the right atrium and right ventricle into the end of the coronary sinus.
Overview
The small cardiac vein accompanies the right marginal artery and then the RCA in the right coronary sulcus. It usually joins the right end of the coronary sinus, but sometimes opens directly into the right atrium. It is variable and may be absent.
Anatomy
- Course
It runs from the acute (inferior) margin of the heart along the right AV groove to the coronary sinus.
Function
- Drains the posterior right atrium and the inferior margin of the right ventricle.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.