Final answer:
The 'coronary artery' term is derived from the crown-like arrangement of these arteries around the heart, and they originate from the aorta as it exits the left ventricle. Anatomically, the coronary arteries are positioned around the heart, which is centrally located in the thorax.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coronary Arteries Detail
The term “coronary artery” originates from the way these arteries encircle the heart. The root word 'corona' means 'crown' or 'ring,' which is fitting given the formation of the arteries around the heart, resembling a crown. Anatomically, the coronary arteries arise from the first portion of the aorta after it leaves the left ventricle. Specifically, the left coronary artery emerges from the left posterior aortic sinus, and the right coronary artery from the anterior aortic sinus. These arteries then branch and follow the surface of the heart, also known as the epicardial surface.
In terms of position, when considering anatomical position, the coronary arteries are located around the heart, which in the standard anatomical position, is centered in the thorax, between the lungs and posterior to the sternum. The heart and, by extension, the coronary arteries are oriented so that they are anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the sternum.