The Valves

of the Heart
Tricuspid, Mitral, Pulmonary
and Aortic Valves

Jishnu Narayanan
Elizabeth Martin
 Valves
Valves are structures within the heart that
control the flow of blood between chambers.
They act like doors or one-way gates and
prevent the backflow (regurgitation) of blood.

There are 4 main valves in the heart;

• Tricuspid Valve
• Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve
• Pulmonary Valve
• Aortic Valve
Tricuspid Valve
The Tricuspid Valve prevents the backflow of
blood into the right atrium during Ventricular
Contraction.

It is comprised of 3 leaflets or cusps.

• Anterior
• Posterior
• Septal

It is located between the right atrium and the

right ventricle
 Mitral (Bicuspid)
Valve
It maintains a one-way flow of blood from the
left atrium to the left ventricle, preventing
regurgitation.

It is made up of two cusps, namely the anterior

and posterior leaflets.

Positioned between the left atrium and the left

ventricle.
Pulmonary Valve
Deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle
passes through the pulmonary valve to the
lungs for oxygenation, preventing backflow.

It is made up of three semilunar cusps

Found at the entrance of the pulmonary artery.

 Aortic Valve

Regulates the flow of oxygenated blood from

the left ventricle into the aorta.

Made of 3 Semilunar cusps

Situated at the exit of the left ventricle leading

to the aorta
 Dysfunction
Valves play a vital role in maintaining
efficient blood circulation by preventing the
backward flow of blood

Valvular heart diseases lead to;

• Regurgitation (leakage),
• Stenosis (narrowing)
• Prolapse of the valves

Symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain and

shortness of breath can be seen.
 Patient: A 60-year-old female presents with
Case Study exertional dyspnea and palpitations.

Clinical Findings: Echocardiography reveals

severe regurgitation due to mitral valve
prolapse, leading to left arterial enlargement
and pulmonary hypertension.

Treatment: The patient undergoes mitral valve

repair surgery to correct the regurgitation and
alleviate symptoms.

Outcome: Post-surgery, the patient

experiences significant improvement in
Fig: Mitral Valve Prolapse symptoms and cardiac functions.
References
American Heart Association (AHA):
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease

Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-valve-disease/symptoms-causes/
syc-20353710

Cleveland Clinic:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17545-heart-valve-disease

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI):

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-valve-disease

All images from The University of Minnesota.

Thank You