Atrioventricular valves

Atrioventricular valves are integral components of the human heart that regulate the flow of blood between the atria and the ventricles. There are two atrioventricular valves in the human heart: the mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, and the tricuspid valve.

Anatomy and Function

The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It is named for its two leaflets, which resemble a bishop's mitre. The tricuspid valve, on the other hand, is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle and has three leaflets.

The primary function of the atrioventricular valves is to prevent the backflow of blood into the atria when the ventricles contract. The valves open to allow blood to flow from the atria to the ventricles during the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle, and close during the contraction phase to maintain a one-way flow of blood.

Pathology

Diseases of the atrioventricular valves, such as mitral valve prolapse and tricuspid valve stenosis, can lead to serious health complications including heart failure and stroke. These conditions are typically diagnosed through echocardiography and can be treated with medication, valve repair surgery, or valve replacement surgery.

See Also

• Heart
• Cardiac cycle
• Mitral valve
• Tricuspid valve
• Valvular heart disease