RESUMO
This study was performed to assess the variations in the branching pattern and diameters of the terminal branches of the left coronary artery and discuss various names given to the third branch. Hearts of 21 autopsies and 19 cadavers were fixed with 10% formalin and their coronary arteries were examined by dissecting the epicardium. The dissections were performed at the Anatomy Departments of Faculties of Medicine, Ankara and Hacettepe Universities, Ankara, and Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey, between April 2001 and June 2003. There were 2 branches in 19 hearts, 3 branches in 19 hearts, 4 branches in one heart and 5 branches in another. Diameter and length of these vessels are noted. Upon examination of the diameters and important variations of the branches of the left coronary artery, the importance of the median artery has been noted. Various names given to this artery in the literature should be replaced with the name "median artery"