Atrioventricular valve

Atrioventricular valve is a term used in anatomy and cardiology to refer to the two main valves in the heart that lie between the atria and the ventricles. These valves are the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. They are essential components of the cardiovascular system, playing a crucial role in the regulation of blood flow through the heart.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the atrioventricular valves is to prevent the backflow of blood into the atria when the ventricles contract. The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It has two leaflets, hence the name 'bicuspid'. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle and has three leaflets.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Both the mitral and tricuspid valves are composed of several components, including leaflets (or cusps), annulus, chordae tendineae, and papillary muscles. The leaflets open to allow blood flow from the atria to the ventricles and close to prevent backflow. The annulus is the fibrous ring that provides the base to which the leaflets are attached. The chordae tendineae are thin, fibrous cords that connect the leaflets to the papillary muscles. The papillary muscles contract to prevent the leaflets from inverting or prolapsing into the atria when the ventricles contract.

Pathology[edit | edit source]

Several diseases can affect the atrioventricular valves, including mitral valve prolapse, mitral stenosis, tricuspid regurgitation, and tricuspid stenosis. These conditions can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and other serious cardiovascular complications if not properly managed.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for atrioventricular valve disorders depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. Options may include medication, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery. Surgical procedures may involve valve repair or valve replacement, using either mechanical valves or biological valves made from animal tissue.