To prepare for your Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology Exam, it’s crucial to understand that there are four valves of the heart. You also need to be able to name them and understand their function.
Heart valves maintain a one-way flow of blood in the heart, preventing backflow.
There are four valves categorized into two types
- Atrioventricular Valves
- Semi Lunar Valves
We will explore both of these, but first watch this video to see the valves in action…
Atrioventricular Valves:
These valves separate the atria (upper chambers) from the ventricles (lower chambers). In a cross-section view of the heart, they look like “strings” in the center of each side of the heart. There are two atrioventricular valves, one on the left side of the heart and one on the right side of the heart
The Bicuspid Valve:
On the left side of the heart, between the left atria and ventricle. This prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atria.
This has two “heartstrings” which is why it is called the BIcuspid valve, “bi” meaning two. This valve is also known as the Mitral valve.
The Tricuspid Valve:
On the right side of the heart between the right atria and ventricle. This prevents backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atria.
This has three “heartstrings” which is why it is called the TRIcuspid valve, “tri” meaning three. To help you remember that is on the right-hand side of the heart, note that tRicuspid has an “R” in it, and is on the Right side.
Semilunar Valves:
These valves separate the ventricles from the arteries and look like half-moon shapes. The Semilunar valves prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricle from the artery,
There are two types of semilunar valves; the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve
The Aortic Valve
This is on the left-hand side of the heart, which pumps oxygenated blood back to the tissues of the body. The Aortic valve prevents the backflow of blood from the aorta to the left ventricle.
The Pulmonary Valve
This is on the right-hand side of the heart, which pumps deoxygenated blood back to the lungs. The Pulmonary valve prevents the backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle.
Test your knowledge with today’s heart mock questions:
[NOTE: The answers are below the 3rd questions]
Q1: Which valve prevents the backflow of blood from the aorta to the left ventricle?
A. Pulmonary Valve
B. Aortic Valve
C. Atrioventricular Valve
D. Bicuspid Valve
Q2: What is the role of the Tricuspid Valve?
A. to prevent backflow between left ventricle and left atria
B. to prevent backflow between right ventricle and right atria
C. to prevent backflow between left ventricle and right atria
D. to prevent backflow between right ventricle and left atria
Q3: Where is the Pulmonary valve located?
A. between the pulmonary artery and right ventricle
B. between the pulmonary artery and right atrium
C. between the pulmonary vein and left ventricle
D. between the pulmonary vein and right ventricle
Answers to the mock questions are :
Question 1= B, Question 2 = B, Question 3 = D
If you want more mock questions like this, then you can download more Free Mock Questions: DOWNLOAD NOW
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