Which set of heart valves is known as the AV valves?

The set of heart valves known as the atrioventricular (AV) valves includes the tricuspid and mitral (also known as bicuspid) valves. These valves are located between the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) and the ventricles (the lower chambers).

The tricuspid valve separates the right atrium from the right ventricle, while the mitral valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle. Their primary function is to prevent backflow of blood into the atria when the ventricles contract. This ensures that blood flows in a one-way direction through the heart, enhancing the efficiency of the cardiovascular system.

In contrast, the pulmonary and aortic valves, which are involved in controlling blood flow out of the ventricles (the pulmonary valve leading to the lungs and the aortic valve leading to the body), are not part of the AV group. Understanding the specific roles and locations of these valves is essential for comprehending normal heart function and diagnosing heart conditions.