3D CONTENT
3D HEART ANATOMY

LEFT ATRIOVENTRICULAR VALVE

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Left atrioventricular valve anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing mitral valve structure and leaflets
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Left Atrioventricular Valve - Overview, Preview from the app.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LEFT ATRIOVENTRICULAR VALVE

  • Also known as mitral valve
  • Regulates blood flow between left atrium and left ventricle
  • Ensures oxygen-rich blood moves efficiently into left ventricle
  • Prevents backflow during ventricular contraction

LEFT ATRIOVENTRICULAR ORIFICE

Left atrioventricular orifice 360-degree interactive viewer showing opening between left atrium and ventricle
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Left Atrioventricular Orifice, Preview from the app.

  • Opening between left atrium and left ventricle
  • Surrounded by mitral valve
  • Facilitates unidirectional blood flow

LEAFLETS OF MITRAL VALVE

Mitral valve leaflets 360-degree interactive viewer showing anterior and posterior cusps
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Mitral Valve Leaflets, Preview from the app.

  • Characterised by two main leaflets

Anterior Leaflet

  • Larger of the two leaflets
  • Positioned adjacent to aortic valve
  • Surgical Subdivisions:
    • A1 section
    • A2 section
    • A3 section
  • Subdivisions allow precise surgical identification

Posterior Leaflet

  • Smaller leaflet
  • Surgical Scallops:
    • P1 scallop
    • P2 scallop
    • P3 scallop
  • Divisions aid surgical descriptions and interventions

Commissural Leaflets

  • Smaller leaflets at convergence points
  • Located where anterior and posterior leaflets meet
  • Positioned at angles of valve
  • Essential for sealing orifice during ventricular contraction

TENSION APPARATUS

Tension apparatus 360-degree interactive viewer showing papillary muscles and chordae tendineae
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Tension Apparatus, Preview from the app.

  • Essential for proper valve function
  • Prevents leaflet inversion into atrium
  • Prevents valve prolapse during ventricular systole
  • Components:
    • Papillary muscles
    • Chordae tendineae

Papillary Muscles

  • Contract with ventricular myocardium
  • Simultaneous contraction with ventricle
  • Tighten chordae tendineae
  • Secure leaflets in position

Chordae Tendineae

  • Tendinous cords connecting leaflets to papillary muscles
  • Tightened during ventricular contraction
  • Anchor leaflets to prevent eversion

Coordinated Action

  • Ensures efficient valve closure
  • Prevents regurgitation of blood into left atrium

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM. Gray's Anatomy for Students. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2020. Chapter 3: Thorax.

2. Standring S, editor. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2021. p. 996-1046.

3. Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2018. p. 127-162.

QUICK FACTS: LEFT ATRIOVENTRICULAR VALVE

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: What is the alternative name for the left atrioventricular valve?

Answer: Mitral valve. The left atrioventricular valve is also known as the mitral valve because it has two leaflets resembling a bishop's mitre (hat).

Q: What is the primary function of the left atrioventricular valve?

Answer: Regulate blood flow between left atrium and left ventricle. The left atrioventricular valve regulates blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle, ensuring oxygen-rich blood moves efficiently into the left ventricle and preventing backflow during ventricular contraction.

Q: How many main leaflets does the mitral valve have?

Answer: Two. The mitral valve is characterised by two main leaflets: the anterior (larger) leaflet and the posterior (smaller) leaflet.

Q: Which leaflet of the mitral valve is larger?

Answer: Anterior leaflet. The anterior leaflet is the larger of the two main leaflets and is positioned adjacent to the aortic valve.

Q: What are the surgical subdivisions of the anterior leaflet?

Answer: A1, A2, A3 sections. The anterior leaflet has three surgical subdivisions: A1, A2, and A3 sections. These subdivisions allow precise surgical identification during valve repair or replacement procedures.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

⋮⋮ Left Atrioventricular Valve Quiz
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