Which main coronary artery bifurcates into two smaller ones?

The main coronary artery that bifurcates into two smaller arteries is the left coronary artery. This artery branches into the left anterior descending (LAD) artery and the circumflex artery. The bifurcation is significant because each of these branches supplies blood to different areas of the heart muscle.

The left anterior descending artery primarily supplies the anterior wall of the left ventricle and the interventricular septum, while the circumflex artery supplies the lateral and posterior walls of the left ventricle. This bifurcation is crucial for understanding coronary circulation and the areas of the heart that are at risk during ischemic events.

The right coronary artery, while important, does not bifurcate in the same manner; instead, it tends to give rise to several smaller branches. Similarly, posterior and anterior references do not apply in the context of the main coronary arteries as specifically as the left does with its two major branches. This anatomical distinction highlights the critical role of the left coronary artery in cardiac health and anatomy.