What is anterior interventricular sulcus?

The anterior interventricular sulcus, also known as the anterior interventricular groove or anterior interventricular artery, is a groove on the surface of the heart that separates the right and left ventricles. It runs along the front of the heart, descending diagonally from the base of the heart towards the apex.

The anterior interventricular sulcus contains the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, which is a major coronary artery that supplies blood to the anterior wall of the left ventricle and the interventricular septum. It is also known as the widow-maker artery because blockages in this artery can lead to a heart attack.

The anterior interventricular sulcus is an important anatomical landmark for identifying the borders of the heart's chambers during medical imaging and surgical procedures. It is also a site where clinicians can assess the perfusion of the heart muscle and diagnose conditions such as coronary artery disease.