North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What are the tricuspid and mitral valves classified as?

1. Semi-lunar valves

2. A-V valves

3. Chordae tendineae

4. Pulmonary valves

The correct answer is: A-V valves

The tricuspid and mitral valves are classified as A-V valves, which stands for atrioventricular valves. These valves are located between the atria and the ventricles of the heart. Their primary function is to ensure one-way blood flow from the atria to the ventricles during the heart's contraction cycle. The tricuspid valve is situated between the right atrium and the right ventricle, while the mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. Understanding the function and location of these valves is crucial because they play a significant role in maintaining proper blood circulation within the heart. When the ventricles contract, these valves close to prevent backflow into the atria, ensuring efficient pumping of blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. The classification as A-V valves highlights their specific role in the heart’s anatomy and functionality. The other classifications, such as semi-lunar valves and pulmonary valves, do not pertain to the tricuspid and mitral valves, as those refer to different structures in the heart that regulate blood flow out of the ventricles to the aorta and pulmonary artery, respectively. Chordae tendine