Aortic valve

The aortic valve is a cardiac valve, an anatomical structure separating the ventricle from the aorta. It is made up of three semilunar cusps—one dorsal, one anterolateral on the left and one anterolateral on the right. Above these cusps arise the coronary arteries, which supply the cardiac muscle with blood.

 Aortic valve

On the picture - Section of the aorta opened to show the semilunar cusps of the aortic valve. 

The semilunar cusps prevent reflux of blood into the left ventricle. During systole, the blood-filled ventricle contracts and ejects its contents into the aorta across the aortic valve to supply the organs with blood. During diastole, the aortic valve is closed. Its opening and closure are passive, depending on the pressure difference on either side of the valve. It opens when the pressure downstream is less than the pressure upstream; it closes when the pressures are reversed.

More details: 📖 Lippincott® Illustrated Reviews: Anatomy

A horizontal section of the upper heart showing the anatomical relations of the tricuspid, mitral, aortic and pulmonary valves.

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