What is the Difference Between AV Valves and Semilunar Valves?

The difference between atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves lies in their location, structure, and function within the heart. Here are the key differences:

1. Location: AV valves are present between the atria and ventricles, while semilunar valves are present between the ventricles and the major heart arteries.
2. Structure: AV valves are built of leaflets, while semilunar valves are built of cusps. The AV valves, including the mitral and tricuspid valves, have leaflets connected to the ventricular myocardium by chordae tendineae. In contrast, the semilunar valves, such as the aortic and pulmonary valves, have cusps that are anchored directly to the arterial roots.
3. Function: AV valves allow the flow of blood from the atria to the ventricles and prevent backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria. Semilunar valves allow the flow of blood from the ventricles to the arteries and prevent backflow of blood from the arteries to the ventricles.

In summary, AV valves and semilunar valves are two types of heart valves that play crucial roles in ensuring the proper circulation of blood within the heart. They differ in their location, structure, and function, with AV valves regulating blood flow between the atria and ventricles, and semilunar valves controlling blood flow between the ventricles and major arteries.

Comparative Table: AV Valves vs Semilunar Valves

Here is a table comparing the differences between atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves:

AV valves, including the tricuspid and mitral valves, are situated between the atrium and ventricles on both sides of the heart. They allow blood to flow from the atria to the ventricles and prevent backflow from the ventricles to the atria. On the other hand, semilunar valves, including the aortic and pulmonary valves, are located between the ventricles and major heart arteries. They allow blood to flow from the ventricles to the arteries and prevent backflow from the arteries to the ventricles.