Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

The heart has four valves: the tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary, and aortic valves. These valves are crucial for ensuring blood flows in only one direction through the heart, preventing backflow.12

  • Atrioventricular valves (tricuspid and mitral) are located between the atria and ventricles. The tricuspid valve has three flaps, while the mitral valve has two. They open to allow blood from the atria into the ventricles and close when the ventricles contract to prevent blood from returning to the atria.1
  • Semilunar valves (pulmonary and aortic) are situated where the pulmonary artery and aorta leave the ventricles. These pocket-like valves open to allow blood to be pumped out of the ventricles into the arteries and close to prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricles.13

The closure of these valves produces the audible sounds of a heartbeat. Abnormalities in these valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (incomplete closure), can lead to serious cardiovascular issues.134

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

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.