Aortic valve

The aortic valve has three flaps that work like a one-way gate. When the heart pumps, the aortic valve opens to allow oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. When the heart rests between beats, the aortic valve closes to keep blood from flowing backward into the heart.

Aortic valve

Location of aortic valve in heart and detail of open and closed valve

The aortic valve has three flaps that work like a one-way gate. When the heart pumps, the aortic valve opens to allow oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. When the heart rests between beats, the aortic valve closes to keep blood from flowing backward into the heart.

Current as ofApril 9, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Rakesh K. Pai, MD – Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC – Interventional Cardiology

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