Tricuspid valve

A valve in the heart between the right atrium and right ventricle

The tricuspid valve is one of the four main heart valves in the human heart. It is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. The valve's primary function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium during ventricular systole.

Animation of the heart showing valve function

Histological slide of the tricuspid valve

Diagram of the human heart showing the location of the tricuspid valve

Anatomy

The tricuspid valve is composed of three cusps or leaflets: the anterior, posterior, and septal cusps. These leaflets are attached to the fibrous ring known as the annulus. The valve is supported by the chordae tendineae, which are tendinous cords that connect the leaflets to the papillary muscles in the right ventricle.

Function

During the cardiac cycle, the tricuspid valve opens to allow blood to flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle during diastole. It closes during systole to prevent the backflow of blood as the right ventricle contracts and pumps blood into the pulmonary artery.

Clinical significance

Video showing tricuspid valve disease

The tricuspid valve can be affected by various diseases, including tricuspid regurgitation, where the valve does not close properly, and tricuspid stenosis, where the valve opening is narrowed. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and heart failure.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of tricuspid valve disorders often involves echocardiography, which uses ultrasound to visualize the heart's structure and function. Treatment may include medications to manage symptoms or surgery to repair or replace the valve.

Related pages

• Heart valve
• Right atrium
• Right ventricle
• Pulmonary artery

Gallery

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  Comparison with mitral valve insufficiency