MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Valves are actually flaps (leaflets) that act as one-way inlets for blood coming into a ventricle and one-way outlets for blood leaving a ventricle. Normal valves have 3 flaps (leaflets), except the mitral valve.

Detailed explanation-2: -As the heart pumps blood, a series of valves open and close tightly. These valves ensure that blood flows in only one direction, preventing backflow. The tricuspid valve is situated between the right atrium and right ventricle. The pulmonary valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.

Detailed explanation-3: -The bicuspid valve is composed of 2 cups and is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. It allows the flow of blood from the left atria to the left ventricle and prevents the backward flow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atria.

Detailed explanation-4: -The semilunar valves permit blood to flow into the arteries from the ventricles and prevent the backward flow of blood from the arteries into the ventricles. The semilunar valves are made up of connective tissue and a thin smooth membrane known as the endocardium.

Detailed explanation-5: -What is the mitral valve? The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle and is composed of two flaps. Normally the flaps are held tightly closed during left ventricular contraction (systole) by the chordae tendineae (small tendon “cords” that connect the flaps to the muscles of the heart).