Mitral

Mitral valve is a valve in the heart that lets blood flow from one chamber, the left atrium, to another called the left ventricle. It is one of the four valves in the heart, the others being the tricuspid valve, the pulmonary valve, and the aortic valve. The mitral valve and the tricuspid valve are known collectively as the atrioventricular valves because they lie between the atria and the ventricles of the heart and control the blood flow between these chambers. The valves prevent the backward flow of blood.

Structure

The mitral valve is a dual-flap (bi-leaflet) valve that is positioned between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. It is larger than the other atrioventricular valve, the tricuspid valve, and unlike it, the mitral valve only has two leaflets or cusps. These are known as the anterior and posterior leaflets. The leaflets are prevented from prolapsing into the left atrium by the action of the chordae tendineae and the papillary muscles.

Function

The primary role of the mitral valve is to prevent the backward flow of blood. When the left atrium contracts, the mitral valve opens, allowing blood to flow into the left ventricle. When the left ventricle contracts, the mitral valve closes, preventing blood from flowing back into the left atrium.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the mitral valve can lead to heart failure. These include mitral valve prolapse, mitral stenosis, and mitral regurgitation. Mitral valve diseases may be the result of aging, infection, or may be a condition present at birth (congenital). Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and may include medication or surgery.

See also

• Heart valve
• Cardiology
• Cardiac surgery

Mitral Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia