Atrioventricular valve

Definition

Atrioventricular valves are the valves located between the atria and ventricles in the heart. They ensure unidirectional blood flow from the atria to the ventricles, preventing backflow during ventricular contraction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Humans have two atrioventricular valves: the tricuspid valve on the right side and the mitral (bicuspid) valve on the left side.
2. The tricuspid valve has three cusps, while the mitral valve has two cusps.
3. Atrioventricular valves are anchored by chordae tendineae to papillary muscles, which prevent prolapse during systole.
4. Dysfunction of these valves can lead to conditions such as regurgitation or stenosis, affecting cardiac efficiency.
5. During diastole, atrioventricular valves open to allow blood flow from atria to ventricles, and they close during systole to prevent backflow.

Review Questions

Related terms

Tricuspid Valve: The right-side atrioventricular valve with three cusps.

Mitral Valve: The left-side atrioventricular valve with two cusps.

Chordae Tendineae: Fibrous cords that anchor AV valves to papillary muscles in ventricles.