Which valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle?

Which valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle?

• A. Aortic valve
• B. Pulmonary valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Answer: (D)

The valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle is the mitral valve. It opens to let blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle during heart relaxation, then closes to prevent backflow when the ventricle contracts. This valve is also known as the bicuspid valve and has two cusps. Understanding the other valves helps place this in context: the aortic valve sits between the left ventricle and the aorta, the pulmonary valve sits between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, and the tricuspid valve sits between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

The valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle is the mitral valve. It opens to let blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle during heart relaxation, then closes to prevent backflow when the ventricle contracts. This valve is also known as the bicuspid valve and has two cusps.

Understanding the other valves helps place this in context: the aortic valve sits between the left ventricle and the aorta, the pulmonary valve sits between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, and the tricuspid valve sits between the right atrium and the right ventricle.