The atrioventricular valves are the two valves that separate the atria from the ventricles in the heart. The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle and has two leaflets, while the tricuspid valve sits between the right atrium and right ventricle and has three leaflets. These valves open during diastole to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles and close during systole to prevent blood from flowing backward. Echocardiography is the primary tool for evaluating the structure and function of these valves, assessing for conditions like stenosis, regurgitation, prolapse, and vegetations from endocarditis.
Sonography Term