Heart Valves: Structure & Function for Optimal Blood Flow

Heart valves regulate blood flow direction and prevent backflow. Four main valves:

1. Mitral Valve: Left atrium → left ventricle (ventricular filling).
2. Tricuspid Valve: Right atrium → right ventricle (ventricular relaxation).
3. Aortic Valve: Left ventricle → aorta (prevents backflow during contraction).
4. Pulmonary Valve: Right ventricle → pulmonary artery (prevents regurgitation during contraction).

Each valve has cusps/leaflets attached to chordae tendineae, which connect to papillary muscles on ventricular walls. During contraction, papillary muscles pull chordae, closing leaflets and preventing atrial backflow. This coordination ensures proper cardiac cycle flow.