Semilunar valve

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Semilunar valves are valves in the heart that allow blood to flow from the heart into the arteries but prevent blood from flowing back into the heart. There are two semilunar valves in the heart: the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Semilunar valves are composed of three pocket-like cusps. Each cusp is a thin, crescent-shaped piece of tissue. The cusps of the semilunar valves are strong and flexible, allowing them to open and close with each heartbeat.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the semilunar valves is to prevent the backflow of blood into the heart. When the heart contracts, or beats, the semilunar valves open to allow blood to flow out of the heart and into the arteries. When the heart relaxes, the semilunar valves close to prevent blood from flowing back into the heart.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Problems with the semilunar valves can lead to heart conditions such as aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, pulmonary stenosis, and pulmonary regurgitation. These conditions can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue, and may require treatment with medication, surgery, or other interventions.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Semilunar valve Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD