Valve Operation
The opening and closing of heart valves depends on pressure changes within the heart chambers. When blood returns to the atria, it puts pressure on the AV valves, forcing them open so the ventricles can fill. As the ventricles contract, pressure increases, forcing blood against the AV valve cusps and closing them.
The chordae tendineae (heart strings) are crucial for proper valve function. These strong fibrous cords tighten during ventricular contraction, preventing the AV valve cusps from everting (flipping back) into the atria. This clever design ensures blood only flows forward, not backward into the atria.
Semilunar valves operate differently. When ventricles contract, rising pressure pushes blood against the semilunar valves, forcing them open. As ventricles relax, blood attempts to flow back from the arteries, filling the valve cusps and causing them to close tightly against each other.
Helpful Hint: If you put your hand on your chest, you can feel your heartbeat. The "lub" sound comes from AV valves closing, while the "dub" sound is the semilunar valves closing. These sounds confirm your valves are working properly!