Which heart valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?
The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and left ventricle, allowing blood to flow from the atrium to the ventricle while preventing backflow.
In echocardiography, which chamber of the heart is closest to the transducer in a standard parasternal long-axis view?
In the standard parasternal long-axis view, the right ventricle is closest to the transducer, appearing in the near field of the echocardiographic image.
Which structure prevents prolapse of the atrioventricular valves during ventricular contraction?
The papillary muscles and chordae tendineae anchor the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid) and prevent them from prolapsing into the atria during ventricular contraction.
Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?
The pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart, which is then pumped into the left ventricle and out to the systemic circulation.
During which phase of the cardiac cycle is the aortic valve open?
The aortic valve opens during ventricular systole when the left ventricle contracts, allowing blood to flow from the ventricle into the aorta and systemic circulation.