key term - Mitral valve

Definition

The mitral valve is a dual-flap (bicuspid) valve in the heart that lies between the left atrium and left ventricle, ensuring one-way blood flow from the atrium to the ventricle. It prevents the backflow of blood into the atrium when the ventricle contracts.

Related terms

Atrium: The upper chamber through which blood enters the heart's ventricles; there are two atria in the human heart, left and right.

Ventricle: One of two lower chambers in the heart that receive blood from an atrium and pump it out to the body or lungs; responsible for powerful contractions.

Valvular Heart Disease: A condition characterized by damage to or a defect in one of the four heart valves, including potentially, but not limited to, the mitral valve