What is the Difference Between Mitral Valve and Tricuspid Valve?

The mitral valve and tricuspid valve are two of the four heart valves that play crucial roles in ensuring blood flows in the correct direction. They are both atrioventricular (AV) valves, located between the atria and their respective ventricles. Here are the main differences between the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve:

Mitral Valve:

• Located between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
• Also known as the bicuspid valve because it has two cusps (anterior and posterior).
• The base of each cusp is secured to a fibrous ring that surrounds the orifice.
• It opens to allow blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle and closes to prevent backflow into the left atrium.

Tricuspid Valve:

• Located between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
• Has three cusps (anterior, septal, and posterior).
• The base of each cusp is anchored to a fibrous ring that surrounds the orifice.
• It opens to allow blood to flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle and closes to prevent backflow into the right atrium.

In summary, the main differences between the mitral and tricuspid valves are their locations, the number of cusps, and the direction of blood flow they control. Both valves play essential roles in maintaining the proper flow of blood through the heart and ensuring optimal cardiac function.

Comparative Table: Mitral Valve vs Tricuspid Valve

The mitral valve and tricuspid valve are both atrioventricular valves in the heart, but they have some differences in their structure and function. Here is a table comparing the two:

The mitral valve has two cusps (anterior and posterior) and is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. On the other hand, the tricuspid valve has three cusps (anterior, posterior, and septal) and is located between the right atrium and right ventricle. The mitral valve is shaped like a parachute, with the cordae tendineae (chordae) attached to papillary muscles, while the tricuspid valve is shaped like a sixth of an egg and covered in papillary muscles on the right ventricular surface. The surgical access for the mitral valve is an incision in the right atrium within the right superior pulmonary vein, while the tricuspid valve can be accessed via the right atrium or, in certain situations, the left atrium.