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Aortic valve
Aortic valve - Definition
Aortic valve is one of the cardiac valves that comprises of three semilunar cusps. It is also known as valva aortae (Latin).
Aortic valve - Location
It is situated between the aorta and the left ventricle.
Aortic valve - Function
It lets blood flow into the aorta and thereby the body from the lower left chamber (ventricle) of the heart. This occurs when the pressure within the left ventricle gets higher than the aortic pressure and the aortic valve opens as a result, letting oxygen-rich blood escape into the aorta. The valve again shuts itself when the ventricular pressure reduces when the heart rests in between successive beats. This prevents backflow of blood into the heart.
Aortic valve - Disorders
The valve can suffer from two conditions, which often co-exist:
Aortic stenosis The valve fails to open completely and blocks the flow of blood out of the heart. Aortic insufficiency It is marked by the incompetency of the aortic valve, and the blood passively flows back to the heart in a wrong direction. It is also known as "aortic regurgitation." Aortic valve - Pictures
Check the following images to know how the structure looks like and where it is located.
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