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In Biology / Senior High School | 2025-07-24

What is the purpose of valves in the heart?A. To store blood B. To deliver oxygen C. To prevent backflow of blood D. To produce hormones

Asked by elloslaleighn7857

Answer (1)

The answer is C. To prevent backflow of blood Heart valves ensure that blood flows through the heart in one direction only, preventing any backflow. This is vital for maintaining proper circulation and pressure within the heart and blood vessels.There are four main valves in the heart:Tricuspid valve – between the right atrium and right ventricle.Pulmonary valve – between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery.Mitral (bicuspid) valve – between the left atrium and left ventricle.Aortic valve – between the left ventricle and aorta.Each time the heart contracts (systole), blood is pushed forward. The valves open to allow flow, and then they close during relaxation (diastole) to stop blood from moving backward. This lub-dub sound you hear in a heartbeat is caused by the valves closing.If a valve fails to close properly, blood can leak backward — a condition called regurgitation. If a valve becomes stiff or narrowed (stenosis), blood can’t flow through easily. Both conditions can lead to serious problems like heart failure or blood clots.To compare:Valves do not store blood (that’s the role of chambers).They don’t deliver oxygen — red blood cells do that.Valves also don’t produce hormones (that’s the role of glands).Understanding valves helps students grasp cardiovascular circulation, the importance of heart sounds, and the impact of valvular heart diseases. It’s also key when learning about how the heart adapts to physical activity or stress.

Answered by dapperdazzle | 2025-07-25