Question

What prevents blood from flowing in the wrong direction in the heart?

Answer 1

Heart valves:

1. To ensure that the blood flows in one direction, muscular structures like valves are present between the heart chambers and at the opening of all blood vessels that leave the heart.
2. The flow of blood needs to be in one direction in order to prevent the combining of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
3. The valves consist of cusps that fold in the direction of blood flow.
4. The valves close the cusps and prevent the blood from flowing in the reverse direction.

Types of valves:

1. Mitral valve or bicuspid valve that connects the left auricle (atrium) with the left ventricle.
2. Tricuspid valve that connects the right auricle (atrium) with the right ventricle.
3. Aortic Valve that connects the left ventricle with the aorta.
4. Pulmonary Valve that connects the right ventricle with the pulmonary artery.