The heart valves that separate the atria from the ventricles are called?

The heart valves that separate the atria from the ventricles are known as the atrioventricular valves. There are two significant atrioventricular valves in the heart: the tricuspid valve, which is located between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the mitral valve, which is found between the left atrium and left ventricle. The primary function of these valves is to ensure one-way blood flow from the atria into the ventricles, preventing backflow during ventricular contraction.

In contrast, the aortic and pulmonary valves do not serve this function; they are known as semilunar valves, located at the exit points of the ventricles, regulating blood flow into the aorta and pulmonary artery, respectively. The distinction among these types of valves is crucial for understanding how the heart functions and maintains effective circulation throughout the body. Therefore, recognizing atrioventricular valves is essential for interpreting heart physiology and pathophysiology accurately.