What is the function of Atrio-Ventricular valve?

Atrio-ventricular valves (AV valves) are located between the atria and ventricles of the heart. They play a crucial role in ensuring proper blood flow during the cardiac cycle. There are two AV valves:

1. Mitral Valve (Bicuspid Valve): Located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

2. Tricuspid Valve: Located between the right atrium and right ventricle.

The primary functions of the AV valves include:

1. Controlling Blood Flow:

- The AV valves prevent backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria during ventricular systole (when the ventricles contract).

- When the ventricles relax during diastole, the valves open to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles.

2. Preventing Ventricular Overfilling:

- The AV valves limit the amount of blood that can fill the ventricles, ensuring that the ventricles do not become overstretched.

3. Maintaining One-Way Blood Flow:

- The valves ensure that blood flows in one direction, from the atria to the ventricles, and not the other way around.

4. Heart Sound Production:

- The opening and closing of the AV valves during the cardiac cycle produce characteristic heart sounds, such as the first heart sound (S1) and second heart sound (S2).

Overall, the proper functioning of the AV valves is critical for maintaining the normal rhythm and coordination of the heart's pumping action, as well as preventing abnormal blood flow patterns within the heart. Dysfunction of the AV valves, such as valve regurgitation or stenosis, can lead to various heart conditions and require medical intervention.