The crista terminalis is a smooth muscular ridge running down the inside of the right atrium from the opening of the superior vena cava to that of the inferior vena cava. It separates the smooth-walled sinus venarum behind from the ridged, pectinate part of the atrium in front. On the outside it corresponds to a shallow groove called the sulcus terminalis.
| Location | Lateral wall of the right atrium, between the openings of the superior and inferior venae cavae, with the SA node at its upper end. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Blood Supply | Sinoatrial nodal artery; Right coronary artery (atrial branches) |
Marks the embryological boundary between the sinus venosus and the primitive atrium and provides a fast conduction route for impulses spreading from the SA node down the right atrium.
The crista terminalis is a common origin of focal atrial tachycardia. It can be prominent on echocardiography and mistaken for a mass. It forms a line of slow sideways conduction that helps define the circuit of typical atrial flutter.
A fast rhythm arising from a small area, often along the crista terminalis. It may be treated with medication or catheter ablation.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
