Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cardiac Vascular Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

The circumflex artery is responsible for supplying blood to the side wall of the left ventricle. This artery branches off from the left main coronary artery and wraps around the heart, providing essential oxygenated blood to the lateral and posterior aspects of the left ventricle.

Understanding the anatomy and branch distribution of the coronary arteries is critical, especially when considering areas like the left ventricle, which plays a vital role in pumping oxygenated blood to the entire body. The other arteries mentioned have specific territories they supply; for example, the right coronary artery primarily supplies the right ventricle and parts of the inferior wall of the left ventricle in right dominant coronary systems. The left anterior descending artery is crucial for supplying the anterior aspect of the left ventricle and interventricular septum, while the posterior descending artery typically supplies the inferior part of the heart. Thus, the circumflex artery stands out as the correct answer for supplying the side wall of the left ventricle.