anatomy of the cardiac valves

Question 1

what is the level of the 3cuspid orifice

Answer 1

at the level of the 4th intercostal space

Question 2

explain the 3 cusps of the 3cuspid valve

Answer 2

Anterior cusp: between tricuspid orifice and the infundibulum of the right ventricle.
Posterior cusp: is related to the inferior wall of the right ventricle.
Septal cusp: close to the interventricular septum.

Question 3

what is the location of the mitral valve

Answer 3

it is located in the level of 4th cc

Question 4

explain the cusps of the mitral valve

Answer 4

Anterior cusp: larger and lies anteriorly and to the right.

Posterior cusp: smaller and lies posteriorly and to the left.

Question 5

how is the cordae tendinea in the left diff to that in the right

Answer 5

Chordae tendinae are relatively stronger & fewer in left than in right.

Question 6

what is a lunule and a nodule

Answer 6

The free edge of each cusp is thickened forming the lunule.

The apex of the angulated free edge contains a central fibrous nodule.

Question 7

what is the skeleton of the heart

Answer 7

the skeleton of the heart is made up of the fibrous rings which surround the opening of the valves and these valves are connected to the trigones the right and the left and all these fibrous structures are further connected to the membranous part of the interventricular septum.

Question 8

what are the functions of the valves

Answer 8

Keeps the orifices of the AV and semilunar valves patent and prevents them from over distension.
Provides attachment for the the myocardium & cusps of the valves.
Forms an electrical “insulator” between the atria and ventricles so that these chambers contract independently.

Question 9

surface anatomy
apex :
base: erect and supine
the borders of the heart

Answer 9

apex : 5th intercostal space midclavicular line
base: erect : 6-9 thoracic vertebrae
supine: 5-8 thoracic vertebrae
the borders of the heart: Point A: At the lower border of the 2nd left costal cartilage 1.5 inches from the median plane.
Point B: At the upper border of the 3rd right costal cartilage one inch from the median plane.
Point C: At the lower border of 6th right costa1 cartilage 1/2 inch from the sternal margin.
Point D: At the point of the apex of the heart.

Question 10

what are the anatomical locations of the valves

Answer 10

pulmonary: 3rd cc
aortic : 3rd IC
mitral: 4th cc
tricuspid: 4th IC
only the tricuspid is towards the right the rest are mainly towards the left