Tricuspid valve

Definition

The tricuspid valve is a heart valve situated between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It prevents the backflow of blood into the right atrium when the right ventricle contracts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. It has three leaflets or cusps.
2. The tricuspid valve opens to allow deoxygenated blood to flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
3. During ventricular contraction, it closes to prevent regurgitation of blood.
4. It plays a crucial role in maintaining unidirectional blood flow through the heart.
5. Tricuspid valve disorders can lead to conditions such as tricuspid regurgitation or stenosis.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of the tricuspid valve?
• Where is the tricuspid valve located in the heart?
• How many cusps does the tricuspid valve have?

Related terms

Right Atrium: The upper chamber of the heart that receives deoxygenated blood from the body.

Right Ventricle: The lower chamber of the heart that pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.

Mitral Valve: A heart valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle, also known as a bicuspid valve.