heart valve

/hɑrt vælv/

Other forms: heart valves

Definitions of heart valve

1. noun

   a valve to control one-way flow of blood
   synonyms: cardiac valve

   types:

   atrioventricular valve

   either of two heart valves through which blood flows from the atria to the ventricles; prevents return of blood to the atrium

   semilunar valve

   a heart valve with cusps shaped like half-moons; prevents blood from flowing back into the heart

   bicuspid valve, left atrioventricular valve, mitral valve

   valve with two cusps; situated between the left atrium and the left ventricle

   right atrioventricular valve, tricuspid valve

   valve with three cusps; situated between the right atrium and the right ventricle; allows blood to pass from atrium to ventricle and closes to prevent backflow when the ventricle contracts

   aortic valve

   a semilunar valve between the left ventricle and the aorta; prevents blood from flowing from the aorta back into the heart

   pulmonary valve

   a semilunar valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery; prevents blood from flowing from the artery back into the heart

   type of:

   valve

   a structure in a hollow organ (like the heart) with a flap to insure one-way flow of fluid through it
2. noun

   an implant that replaces a natural cardiac valve
   type of:

   implant

   a prosthesis placed permanently in tissue