Which vessel provides blood supply to the SA and AV nodes in most patients?

The right coronary artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the sinoatrial (SA) node and atrioventricular (AV) node in most patients. This anatomical feature is crucial in understanding the heart's electrical conduction system. The SA node, often referred to as the natural pacemaker of the heart, initiates the heartbeat and requires an adequate blood supply to function properly. Similarly, the AV node serves as a critical relay point for electrical impulses between the atria and ventricles, and it too depends on blood flow from the right coronary artery to maintain its activity.

In the context of coronary circulation, the right coronary artery generally supplies the right atrium and portions of the left atrium, as well as the ventricles. In most individuals, especially those who have a right-dominant coronary circulation, the right coronary artery branches supply the nodes that are essential for regulating heart rhythms. This makes understanding the role of the right coronary artery in myocardial perfusion particularly significant for medical personnel when assessing cardiac function or interpreting ECG findings.