What are the two main types of heart valves and their functions?

The heart has two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves between the atria and ventricles, and semilunar valves at the exits of the ventricles into the great arteries. They ensure unidirectional blood flow and prevent backflow.

What are the names and locations of the atrioventricular valves?

The atrioventricular valves are the tricuspid valve (right AV valve) and the mitral valve (left AV valve). They are located between the atria and ventricles.

How do the semilunar valves differ structurally from the atrioventricular valves?

Semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonary) differ from AV valves in that they lack fibrous rings, papillary muscles, and chordae tendineae, attach directly to the walls of the great arteries, and have cusps with nodules and lunules.

What is the role of chordae tendineae and papillary muscles in heart valve function?

Chordae tendineae and papillary muscles support the atrioventricular valves (tricuspid and mitral). They prevent the valve cusps from everting into the atria during ventricular systole, ensuring proper closure to stop backflow.

Where are the aortic and pulmonary valves located for auscultation?

For auscultation, the aortic valve is best heard at the 2nd right intercostal space near the sternum, and the pulmonary valve at the 2nd left intercostal space near the sternum. Sounds are heard downstream from the valve's anatomical location.

What are some common clinical conditions associated with heart valve dysfunction?

Common conditions include stenosis (narrowing), such as aortic or mitral stenosis, which can lead to hypertrophy or heart failure; regurgitation (leakage), like mitral or tricuspid regurgitation, causing murmurs; and papillary muscle rupture, which may cause acute cardiac failure.

How are the heart valves nourished?

Valve nutrition varies: the basal third of valves receives blood via vessels, while the distal two-thirds rely on diffusion from the blood in the heart chambers.

Heart Valves – Mitral, Tricuspid, Aortic & Pulmonary

❓ Frequently Asked Questions