What Is the Function of a Closed Heart Valve?
The valves of the heart are responsible for controlling blood flow. In a healthy body, blood flow is one-way. Blood that is able to leak back into other chambers of the heart causes heart disease and possible heart failure. There are four heart valves that are a part of blood circulation: the mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary and aortic valves all make up the separation of chambers and control blood flow.
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Mitral
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The mitral valve is two leaflets that close between the left atrium and the left ventricle. This valve is responsible for blood flow of oxygenated blood. When the heart contracts, the mitral valve closes to allow blood currently in the ventricle to pump to arteries. The left atrium and ventricle are responsible for the oxygenated blood that has been sent from the lungs. When the heart contracts, the blood is sent to the arteries of the body. When the heart relaxes, the mitral valve opens, allowing blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle.
Tricuspid
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The tricuspid valve is different from the mitral valve in that it has three flaps, or leaflets. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. The right side of the heart receives the deoxygnated blood from the veins. When the heart contracts, the tricuspid valve closes to allow the blood to enter into the pulmonary vein, which is the blood vessel that carries the blood to the lungs. When the heart relaxes, the tricuspid valve opens to allow the blood to flow into the right ventricle.
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Pulmonary Valve
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The pulmonary valve is located on the pulmonary trunk of the heart. The pulmonary valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary vein, which brings deoxygenated blood to the lungs. When the heart contracts, the pulmonary valve opens as the blood is pushed into the vein and to the lungs. When the heart relaxes, the valve closes and blood enters into the right ventricle.
Aortic Valve
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The aortic valve lies between the left ventricle and the arteries. The main artery that attaches to the heart and sends blood to the rest of the body is the aorta. When the heart contracts, the aortic valve opens to allow the blood to rush into the aorta. The blood that is already in the aorta is pushed down into smaller arteries and blood vessels where oxygenated blood reaches tissue. When the heart relaxes, the aortic valve closes as blood enters the left ventricle to continue the process.
Valve Damage or Disease
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When a valve is unable to shut properly due to disease or damage, the blood flow to the body is affected. These effects can lead to blood-pressure abnormalities and even heart disease. Untreated valve damage can lead to heart failure. When the heart valves don't close, regurgitation occurs, which is the phenomenon of blood flowing backwards. This can be caused by high blood pressure, infection and inflammation in the valves, or birth defects in which the valves are not properly formed.
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