Tricuspid Valve
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Tricuspid valve (Right atrioventricular valve)
The tricuspid valve, also known as the right atrioventricular valve, plays a crucial role in the heart’s function. It is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle, facilitating blood flow from the atrium to the ventricle while preventing backflow.
Right atrioventricular orifice
The right atrioventricular orifice, the designated opening located between the right atrium and the right ventricle, is notably larger than the left atrioventricular orifice. Attached to the orifice’s circumference, the tricuspid valve comprises three triangular leaflets that project into the right ventricular cavity.
Surrounding the orifice is a fibrous ring, a critical feature that maintains the valve’s shape and secures it firmly in place. The presence of this fibrous ring, alongside the tricuspid valve, ensures that the heart’s pumping mechanism remains efficient and prevents the backflow of blood.
Three triangular leaflets
As mentioned earlier the tricuspid valve is characterized by its three distinctive triangular leaflets. These leaflets are seamlessly connected at their commissures, ensuring a cohesive structure. Integral to their operation, the leaflets are anchored by chordae tendineae, which originate from the tips of the papillary muscles:
- Anterior papillary muscle of right ventricle
- Inferior papillary muscle of right ventricle
- Septal papillary muscle of right ventricle
This connection plays a vital role in the heart’s mechanics, as the chordae tendineae reinforce the valve to prevent it from inverting during the cardiac cycle. Specifically, some chordae attach to the leaflets’ free edges, while others connect to the ventricular surface of the valve, further stabilizing the valve structure.
The leaflets of the right atrioventricular (tricuspid) valve are distinctively named based on their positions.
Superior leaflet of right atrioventricular valve
- The superior leaflet, known for being the largest, occupies a commanding position at the top of the valve structure.
Inferior leaflet of right atrioventricular valve
- Beneath the superior leaflet, the inferior leaflet is situated.
Septal leaflet of right atrioventricular valve
- Completing the trio is the septal leaflet, uniquely positioned with its base anchored to the interventricular septum.
- What sets the septal leaflet apart is its direct connection to the interventricular septum through chordae tendineae, a characteristic exclusive to this leaflet within the valve’s structure.
Relationship to cardiac cycle
During ventricular systole, the phase of the cardiac cycle when the ventricular muscle contracts, the valve closes firmly. This action is crucial as it prevents the backflow of blood into the right atrium, ensuring that the blood is efficiently propelled forward
In contrast, during ventricular diastole, the relaxation phase of the ventricle, the valve opens to allow blood to flow freely from the right atrium into the right ventricle. This opening is essential for the heart to fill with blood, preparing for the next contraction phase.