Heart Valves

The heart has two main valve types: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves. AV valves connect the atria to the ventricles—the tricuspid valve links the right chambers, while the bicuspid valve connects the left chambers. Semilunar valves link ventricles to blood vessels: the aortic valve sits between the aorta and left ventricle, and the pulmonary valve lies between the pulmonary trunk and right ventricle.

AV valves close when ventricular pressure rises during contraction. The papillary muscles contract and tense the chordae tendineae, which pull on the valve cusps and prevent them from swinging into the atria. This muscular bracing system stops backflow of blood during ventricular contraction, ensuring one-directional circulation.

Semilunar valves do not need muscular braces because the arterial walls do not contract and the relative positions of the cusps remain stable. When these valves close, their three symmetrical cusps support each other like the legs of a tripod. Additionally, the aortic sinuses prevent individual cusps from sticking to the aorta wall.

Heart valves open and close in response to pressure gradients created by contracting heart chambers. When ventricles contract, increased pressure forces semilunar valves open, allowing blood to rush into blood vessels. When ventricles relax, blood fills the valve cusps, closing them and preventing backflow during the cardiac cycle.

The chordae tendineae are fibrous cords attached to papillary muscles that control AV valve movement. When ventricles relax, chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from atria into ventricles. During ventricular contraction, papillary muscles tense the chordae tendineae, preventing valve cusps from opening into the atria and maintaining proper blood flow direction.

Valvular heart disease (VHD) occurs when valve function deteriorates, disrupting normal heart functioning and circulatory flow. Damage to chordae tendineae or papillary muscles can cause regurgitation or backflow of blood. VHD can be congenital or develop after carditis, an inflammation of the heart affecting valve integrity.

Heart valves respond directly to pressure differences between heart chambers and blood vessels. When ventricular pressure exceeds atrial pressure, AV valves close. When ventricular pressure exceeds arterial pressure, semilunar valves open. This pressure-driven mechanism ensures unidirectional blood flow through the heart and maintains efficient circulation throughout the body.