Heart Valves (HV)

 Plays a vital role in maintaining the proper functioning of the heart by regulating the blood's
one-way flow through the heart chambers.

Heart valves play an important role in maintaining the proper functioning of the heart. These
specialized structures are responsible for regulating the flow of blood through the chambers of
the heart, ensuring an efficient transportation of oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body.

The atrioventricular valve, also known as the AV valve is consists of two main parts: the tricuspid
valve on the right side and the bicuspid (or mitral) valve on the left. These valves are located at
the entrance of each ventricle and are made up of thin flaps or cusps that open and close to
control blood flow.

Next:

During diastole - when the heart muscle relaxes, the AV valves open to allow blood from the
atria to enter into the ventricles. This is important because it ensures that blood flows in one
direction and prevents backflow into the atria. Now, as the ventricles fill with blood, pressure
builds up and causes these valves to close. This marks the beginning of Systole - when the heart
contracts to pump blood out to various parts of our body.

3). Each ventricle contains Papillary Muscles

papillary muscles are small, cone-shaped muscles located within the heart that play a vital role
in the proper functioning of the cardiac valves. These muscles originate from the inner wall of
the ventricles and are attached to the cusps of both the mitral valve and tricuspid valve via tiny
tendons known as chordae tendineae. Its primary function is to facilitate proper closure of the
cardiac valves, preventing backflow and prolapse or leakage of blood back into the atria during
ventricular contraction.

chordae tendineae - Thin, strong, muscular pillars.

Extra notes: The primary function of papillary muscles is to prevent prolapse or leakage of blood back
into the atria by keeping tension on the chordae tendineae during ventricular contraction. As blood is
pumped out of the ventricles, these muscles contract, pulling on and tightening the chordae tendineae
which in turn keeps the valve leaflets closed. This action ensures that blood travels forward through its
designated pathway and does not cause regurgitation or backflow. In addition to their important role in
preventing valve dysfunction, papillary muscles also aid in maintaining proper alignment between
different parts of heart structures during contractions. This allows for efficient pumping action and helps
maintain overall cardiac health.

The semilunar valve is responsible for regulating blood flow between the atria and ventricles of the
heart. There are two main types of semilunar valves: the pulmonary semilunar valve and the aortic
semilunar valve.

The first type of semilunar valve is known as the pulmonary semilunar valve. It is located between the
right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, which connects to the lungs. The role of this valve is to
regulate the passage of oxygen-depleted blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery,
where it can be replenished with oxygen.

Next, we have the aortic semilunar valve, situated between the left ventricle and aorta -the largest
artery in our body that carries oxygen-rich blood to various tissues and organs. Like its counterpart, this
valve also helps control blood flow by preventing backflow into the heart after each contraction.

The cardiac skeleton, also known as the fibrous skeleton of the heart, is a critical component of the
human heart. It is a tough and fibrous structure that provides both mechanical support and electrical
insulation for the heart muscle. It is positioned between the atria and ventricles and serves as an
integral framework that supports and protects the heart's valves, chambers, and vessels.

Cardiac muscle, also known as myocardium, is a highly specialized type of muscle found only in the
heart. Being one of the three major types of muscles in the human body, cardiac muscle plays a crucial
role in maintaining proper functioning of the heart.

Ventricles are hollow, muscular cavities located at the bottom of each side of the heart. They are shaped
like cones and have thick walls composed of cardiac muscle tissue.

The left ventricle, which is on the left side of the heart, is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to
the rest of the body through a large artery called the aorta.

The right ventricle, on the other hand, pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs where it receives fresh
oxygen before returning to the heart.
The muscular interventricular septum, also known as the ventricular septum, is an integral component
of the human heart. This structure is responsible for separating the two lower chambers of the heart,
the left and right ventricles.

The wall of the left ventricle differs from that of the right ventricle in several key ways.

Firstly, the wall of the left ventricle is significantly thicker than that of the right ventricle due to
the fact that it needs to generate enough force to pump oxygenated blood throughout the entire body,
while the right ventricle only needs to pump blood to the lungs.

Transition to valves:

Ventricles have specialized structures and features to efficiently carry out their functions, and one
important feature is their Valves: ---