Heart Valves and Blood Flow
The heart has four valves that keep blood flowing through the heart in the correct
direction. They open to allow the blood through and close to keep the blood from
leaking back.
Tricuspid Valve
This is the valve between the
upper and lower chambers —
atrium and ventricle — on the
right side of the heart. The
blood flows from the right
atrium through the tricuspid
valve to the right ventricle.
Pulmonic Valve
This valve lies between
the right ventricle and the
pulmonary artery. The blood
flows from the right ventricle
through the pulmonic valve
on its way to the lungs to
receive oxygen.
Mitral Valve
This valve is between the
upper and lower chambers —
atrium and ventricle — on the left side of the heart. Oxygen-rich blood flows back from
the lungs into the left atrium, through the mitral valve, and into the left ventricle.
Aortic Valve
This valve is the last valve the blood flows through as it leaves the heart to go to the
body. It lies between the left ventricle and the aorta. The aorta is a large artery that has
many branches going to organs throughout the body.
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