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mediLexicon
anatomy

valve

also: valves
valve
Fig. — valve

A valve is a structure that controls the direction of flow of a fluid through an ORGAN or vessel by opening and closing to prevent backward movement.

A valve is an anatomical structure made of flexible tissue that allows fluid to move in one direction while preventing backflow. Valves are found in different parts of the body, including the HEART, VEINS, and LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. HEART VALVES regulate the movement of BLOOD through the chambers of the heart. They open when pressure pushes blood forward and close when pressure changes to prevent blood from flowing backward. The four major heart valves are the MITRAL VALVE, TRICUSPID VALVE, AORTIC VALVE, and PULMONARY VALVE.

• Controls one-way movement of fluids • Opens and closes according to pressure changes • Prevents backward flow • Found in the heart and blood vessels • Heart valves maintain normal blood circulation

Source: mediLexicon corpus · slug valve