Final answer:
The combining form 'coron/o-' in coronary artery refers to crown or encircling, indicative of the coronary arteries' arrangement around the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combining form coron/o-, as seen in coronary artery, means crown or encircling. The term is reflective of the coronal or crown-like arrangement of the arteries around the heart. The coronary arteries are very important as they supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle itself, encircling the heart in a way that resembles a crown, hence the nomenclature.
Disorders such as coronary artery disease involve the buildup of plaques in these arteries that can lead to atherosclerosis, restricting blood flow and potentially leading to a heart attack if untreated. Understanding the significance of these arteries is crucial as they play a vital role in cardiac health.