Understanding the Four Valves Of The Heart And Their Functions

There are four heart valves that regulate the flow of blood from the atria to the ventricles. Their function is to prevent backflow, while permitting forward flow and preventing one chamber from emptying into another. Each valve has an opening, called an orifice and a closing mechanism made of tissue called the valve leaflets. While a healthy heart can work well with only these four valves, some people may be born with different numbers and/or types of valves, both within and between chambers.

What are heart valves?

Heart valves are flaps of tissue that regulate the flow of blood. These valves ensure that blood flows in the appropriate direction throughout the body. The four valves of the heart are the mitral valve, aortic valve, pulmonary valve and tricuspid valve.

Four heart valves

Mitral valve

The mitral valve, also called the bicuspid valve, is a complex structure of four leaflets that separates the left ventricle and atrium of the heart. The leaflets are attached to a papillary muscle, which is what allows the leaflets to open and close without any active participation from the heart itself.

The mitral valve is the primary valve separating the left ventricle and atrium of the heart. Its job is to prevent blood from flowing backwards into the atrium when blood is being pumped out into circulation through the aorta. The mitral valve is also responsible for preventing blood from flowing back into the ventricle when it relaxes between beats.

The mitral valve has four separate leaflets that are attached to a central ring called an annulus. The leaflets on both sides of this ring are connected by chordae tendinae, or strings that anchor them in place. These strings are made up of collagen and elastin fibers, which allow them to stretch or contract with changes in pressure, depending on which way they're stretched. When there's more pressure in one direction, like in contraction of the left ventricle as it pumps blood through the aorta, then these fibers will stretch enough to allow for proper separation.

Aortic valve

The aortic valve is a leaf-like valve located between the left ventricle and the aortic root. It is one of the four valves that keeps blood flowing in one direction at a time. The heart has two upper valves, which are called the mitral and tricuspid valves, and two lower valves, called the pulmonary and aortic valves.

The valve is normally closed and opens to allow blood to flow into the aortic root. This happens when the left ventricle contracts and pushes blood through the valve. When the ventricle relaxes, the valve closes to prevent blood from flowing back into the left ventricle.

The aortic valve opens to allow oxygen-rich blood to flow from your heart into your body's arteries, where it travels throughout your body to deliver oxygen to all of your organs and tissues. Blood then returns to your heart through veins and enters through one of two lower valves – either the pulmonary or aortic valve depending on whether it came from an artery or vein – before returning to your heart's left atrium via your mitral valve.

Tricuspid valve

The tricuspid valve is a three-leafed valve that is between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It is responsible for pumping blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs, where it will be oxygenated and returned to the left side of the heart via the pulmonary artery.

The tricuspid valve has a muscular structure which allows it to open and close in order to regulate blood flow through it. It has three cusps which are made of flaps of tissue that connect to each other with a thin membrane. The membrane is similar to a one-way door for blood flow. When pressure builds up in the right side of the heart, the cusps open and blood flows freely into the pulmonary artery. However, when there isn't enough pressure in the right side of the heart, it closes and keeps blood flowing into the atrium.

Pulmonic valve

The pulmonary valve is one of the four heart valves. It directs blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary valve works in concert with the other heart valves to ensure that the blood flows efficiently through the heart.

A defect in the pulmonary valve can cause cyanosis, or a bluish-purple discoloration of the skin. The most common defect is called pulmonic stenosis, which occurs when there's an abnormally tight seal between the leaflets of the valve. Pulmonary valve defects are most often linked to Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that causes oxygen-deprived blood to flow back into the lungs.

The most severe form of pulmonic stenosis is called critical aortic stenosis. This condition leads to hypoxia, which means that there's not enough oxygen in your blood. Hypoxia also can cause serious neurological problems, including seizures and brain damage.

Valve replacement surgery may be necessary if you have critical aortic stenosis or other pulmonic valve defects. Valves can be replaced by tissue valves (taken from human donors), mechanical valves or tissue-mechanical hybrid valves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, valves are very important in the cardiovascular system. They are made to be elastic, they function as barriers to avoid backflow, and they also help pump the blood through the heart chambers.