Quick Facts
Origin: Anterior interventricular sulcus.
Course: Superiorly within the anterior interventricular sulcus then within the coronary sulcus to the coronary sinus.
Tributaries: Left marginal, ventricular, atrial, and oblique veins.
Drainage: Left ventricle.
Origin
The great cardiac vein originates at the apex of the heart as the anterior interventricular vein.
Course
The great cardiac vein ascends within the anterior interventricular groove then courses to the left to the posterior aspect of the heart where it enters the coronary sinus.
Tributaries
The great cardiac vein receives its tributaries from the left side of the heart via the left marginal vein, as well as the ventricular and atrial veins. It receives the oblique vein at the inferior (posterior) surface of the heart as it courses towards the coronary sinus.
Structures Drained
The great cardiac vein drains most of the left side of the heart.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Great Cardiac Vein
It is formed by the great cardiac vein and the vein of Marshall, and also receives left atrial as well as ventricular branches, including the posterolateral vein and the middle cardiac vein.
