What is the Difference Between Mitral Valve and Aortic Valve?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The mitral valve and aortic valve are two of the four valves in the human heart, which ensure that blood flows in the correct direction. They have distinct structures and functions:
- Mitral Valve: Also known as the bicuspid valve, it is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It has two flaps (cusps) – the anterior and posterior cusps – and is anchored to a fibrous ring surrounding the orifice. The mitral valve opens to allow blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle, and it closes to prevent backflow when the left ventricle contracts.
- Aortic Valve: Located between the left ventricle and the aorta, the aortic valve has three flaps (cusps) – the anterior, posterior, and septal cusps. As the left ventricle contracts, the aortic valve opens to allow blood to flow into the aorta and closes to prevent backflow when the left ventricle relaxes.
The main differences between the mitral and aortic valves are their locations, structures, and functions:
- Location: The mitral valve is situated between the left atrium and the left ventricle, while the aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta.
- Structure: The mitral valve has two cusps (anterior and posterior), whereas the aortic valve has three cusps (anterior, posterior, and septal).
- Function: The mitral valve ensures blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle and prevents backflow when the left ventricle contracts. The aortic valve allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and prevents backflow when the left ventricle relaxes.
Both the mitral and aortic valves play crucial roles in maintaining the proper flow of blood through the heart, and dysfunction in either valve can lead to serious health complications.
Comparative Table: Mitral Valve vs Aortic Valve
The mitral valve and aortic valve are two of the four valves in the heart that ensure blood flows in the correct direction. Here are the main differences between them:
Feature | Mitral Valve | Aortic Valve |
---|---|---|
Number of Cusps | 2 (bicuspid) | 3 (tricuspid) |
Location | Between the left atrium and left ventricle | Between the left ventricle and the aorta |
Structure | The mitral valve has two flaps of tissue (cusps) that open and close to control blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle. | The aortic valve has three flaps of tissue (cusps) that open and close to control blood flow between the left ventricle and the aorta. |
Size | The mitral valve is smaller than the aortic valve, with its orifice ranging from 7 cm in females to 9 cm in males. | The aortic valve is larger than the mitral valve. |
Origin of Coronary Arteries | At the left and right aortic sinuses, which mark the origin of the left and right coronary arteries. | The coronary arteries supply the myocardium with blood. |
Both valves play crucial roles in maintaining the proper flow of blood through the heart and are subject to various valvular heart diseases.
- Mitral Valve vs Tricuspid Valve
- Bicuspid Valve vs Tricuspid Valve
- Aortic Sclerosis vs Aortic Stenosis
- AV Valves vs Semilunar Valves
- Aorta vs Vena Cava
- Aorta vs Pulmonary Artery
- Aorta vs Artery
- Aortic Dilation vs Aneurysm
- Ascending vs Descending Aorta
- Atria vs Ventricles
- Pulmonary Artery vs Pulmonary Vein
- Valve vs Sphincter
- Stenosis vs Regurgitation
- Left vs Right Ventricle
- Atrial vs Ventricular Septal Defect
- Left vs Right Side of Heart
- Arteries vs Veins
- Artery vs Vein
- Myocardium vs Pericardium