What are the major heart valves found in the human heart?

The major heart valves found in the human heart include the tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve.

The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle, preventing backflow of blood into the atrium when the ventricle contracts. The pulmonary valve is situated at the entrance of the pulmonary artery, controlling blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation. The mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, ensures that blood flows from the atrium to the ventricle without backflow. Lastly, the aortic valve is positioned at the exit of the left ventricle, regulating blood flow into the aorta.

These valves work in concert to maintain unidirectional blood flow and appropriate pressures within the heart chambers, essential for effective circulation. Each valve plays a distinct role in the cardiac cycle, ensuring that oxygen-poor blood is directed to the lungs and oxygen-rich blood is delivered to the body efficiently.