What is the primary function of the right coronary artery?

The primary function of the right coronary artery is to supply blood to the right side of the heart. This artery is crucial for delivering oxygenated blood to the right atrium and right ventricle, which are responsible for collecting deoxygenated blood from the body and pumping it to the lungs for oxygenation. In addition to sustaining the right side of the heart, the right coronary artery also nourishes areas of the heart's electrical conduction system, including parts of the sinoatrial (SA) node and atrioventricular (AV) node, which are essential for regulating the heart's rhythm.

While the left side of the heart is primarily supplied by the left coronary artery, the specific role of the right coronary artery emphasizes its importance in maintaining the overall function of the cardiovascular system. Options regarding controlling heart rate or regulating blood pressure pertain to physiological processes that are separate from the direct blood supply functions of coronary arteries.