Britannica Sources used in this answer

Where are the aortic and pulmonary valves located?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Illustration of a human heart cross-section showing four chambers-left and right atria and ventricles-with labeled major blood vessels. An inset highlights cardiac muscle tissue, showing myocytes and intercalated disks. — human cardiovascular system The human heart is both a pump and a muscle. Its four chambers move blood efficiently, while cardiac muscle cells joined by intercalated disks synchronize each contraction.

The aortic and pulmonary valves, known as semilunar valves, are located at the exits of the heart's ventricles where they connect to the major arteries.12

Aortic Valve: This valve is positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta.12
Pulmonary Valve: This valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.12

These pocketlike structures function to permit blood flow into the arteries while preventing the backward flow of blood into the ventricles.12