SEMILUNAR VALVES Meaning and
Definition
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Semilunar valves are a specific type of heart valve located within the circulatory system. There are two semilunar valves in the heart – the pulmonary valve and the aortic valve – which play a crucial role in maintaining the flow of blood.
The semilunar valves are named due to their half-moon shape, which consists of three slightly curved cusps. These cusps are composed of a tough layer of fibrous tissue covered by thin, smooth endothelium. They are situated at the junctions where the major blood vessels of the heart connect to the ventricles.
The pulmonary valve is found between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, while the aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. Both valves open during systole, the pumping phase of the cardiac cycle, allowing blood to be propelled forward. When the ventricles relax during diastole, the semilunar valves close, preventing blood from flowing back into the ventricles and ensuring the blood moves in the desired direction.
The opening and closing of semilunar valves are regulated by pressure changes within the heart chambers. The force exerted by the contracting ventricles exceeds the pressure in the arteries, causing the valves to open and blood to be ejected. Once the ventricles relax, the blood tries to flow back into the ventricles, but the cusps fill with blood and seal the openings, preventing any regurgitation.
Overall, semilunar valves are integral to the proper functioning of the heart, facilitating the unidirectional flow of blood to ensure efficient circulation throughout the body.
Common Misspellings for SEMILUNAR VALVES
- semi lunar valve
- aemilunar valves
- zemilunar valves
- xemilunar valves
- demilunar valves
- eemilunar valves
- wemilunar valves
- swmilunar valves
- ssmilunar valves
- sdmilunar valves
- srmilunar valves
- s4milunar valves
- s3milunar valves
- senilunar valves
- sekilunar valves
- sejilunar valves
- semulunar valves
- semjlunar valves
- semklunar valves
- semolunar valves
Etymology of SEMILUNAR VALVES
The word "semilunar" is derived from the Latin words "semi" meaning "half" and "luna" meaning "moon". The term "valves" comes from the Latin word "valva" meaning "a folding door or leaf of a folding or swinging door".
The term "semilunar valves" refers to the two valves found in the heart that resemble a half-moon or crescent shape when viewed in cross-section. These valves, the pulmonary valve and the aortic valve, are named after their appearance, with the semilunar shape fitting the Latin etymology.
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