Heart valves
Heart valves
The Heart valves (pronunciation: /hɑːrt vælvz/) are a set of one-way passages located within the heart that regulate the flow of blood in a single direction. The heart consists of four valves: the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and aortic valve.
Etymology
The term "valve" comes from the Latin word valva, meaning "a part of a door". This is in reference to the function of the heart valves, which open and close to allow blood to flow through the heart, much like a door.
Function
The primary function of the Heart valves is to maintain unidirectional blood flow through the heart. During each heartbeat, the valves open and close once, which constitutes a cardiac cycle. The opening of the valves allows blood to flow into the ventricles from the atria, and the closing of the valves prevents the backflow of blood.
Types of Heart Valves
There are four types of heart valves:
- Mitral valve: This valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It allows blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle, and prevents the backflow of blood.
- Tricuspid valve: This valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It allows blood to flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle, and prevents the backflow of blood.
- Pulmonary valve: This valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It allows blood to flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery, and prevents the backflow of blood.
- Aortic valve: This valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. It allows blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta, and prevents the backflow of blood.
Related Terms
- Cardiac cycle: The sequence of events that occur when the heart beats.
- Atrium (heart): The two upper chambers of the heart.
- Ventricle (heart): The two lower chambers of the heart.
- Pulmonary artery: The artery carrying blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.
- Aorta: The main and largest artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and extending down to the abdomen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Heart valves
- Wikipedia's article - Heart valves
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