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ExplanationIntermediate

What are the names and functions of the valves located between the heart chambers and major arteries?

The valves located between the heart chambers and major arteries are the atrioventricular (AV) valves and the semilunar valves. The right AV valve is the tricuspid valve, and the left AV valve is the mitral valve. The pulmonary valve is located at the entrance to the pulmonary artery, and the aortic valve is at the entrance to the aorta.

The heart contains two types of valves that regulate blood flow: the atrioventricular (AV) valves and the semilunar valves. The AV valves, which include the tricuspid valve on the right side and the mitral valve on the left side, separate the atria from the ventricles. The semilunar valves consist of the pulmonary valve, which controls blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, and the aortic valve, which regulates blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. These valves ensure that blood flows in one direction through the heart and into the arteries.

Key points

  • Atrioventricular (AV) valves separate atria from ventricles.
  • Right AV valve is the tricuspid valve.
  • Left AV valve is the mitral valve.
  • Semilunar valves include the pulmonary and aortic valves.
  • Pulmonary valve is at the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
  • Aortic valve is at the entrance to the aorta.
Source:Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide, Ninth Edition· Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems· p. 335–369

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Cover of Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide, Ninth Edition

Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide, Ninth Edition

Barbara Janson Cohen, Shirley Jones

Ninth Edition · Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company

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