HEART VALVES Meaning and
Definition
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Heart valves are an integral part of the cardiovascular system that regulate the flow of blood within the heart by ensuring it moves in a single direction. These specialized structures are present in the heart and serve as gatekeepers, preventing the backflow or leakage of blood. Heart valves are composed of thin fibrous tissues that create a barrier between various chambers of the heart or between the heart and major blood vessels.
There are four main heart valves: the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve. The mitral valve is situated between the left atrium and left ventricle, while the tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle. On the other hand, the aortic valve acts as a gateway between the left ventricle and the aorta, the largest artery in the body, while the pulmonary valve connects the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
Each heart valve possesses a unique structure and function tailored to its respective location and purpose. Valves typically consist of flaps or cusps, also known as leaflets or sails, which open and close in response to pressure gradients within the heart. When the heart contracts, the valve opens, allowing blood to flow forward, while during relaxation, the valve closes to prevent the backflow of blood. Therefore, these valves play a vital role in maintaining efficient circulation and ensuring that blood reaches the appropriate areas of the body for oxygenation and nutrient supply.
Common Misspellings for HEART VALVES
- geart valves
- beart valves
- neart valves
- jeart valves
- ueart valves
- yeart valves
- hwart valves
- hsart valves
- hdart valves
- hrart valves
- h4art valves
- h3art valves
- hezrt valves
- hesrt valves
- hewrt valves
- heqrt valves
- heaet valves
- headt valves
- heaft valves
- heatt valves
Etymology of HEART VALVES
The word "heart" can be traced back to the Old English word "heorte", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hertô". This likely originated from the Indo-European root "kerd", meaning "heart".
The word "valve" has Latin origins, coming from the Latin word "valva", which originally meant a folding or double door. The concept of a valve evolved to refer to any structure that opens and closes in a similar manner, regulating the flow of fluid or air.
So, the term "heart valves" combines the Old English word for "heart" with the Latin word for "valve" to describe the structures in the heart that regulate the flow of blood.
