ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam

What cardiac valve prevents blood from returning to the left ventricle?

1. Pulmonary valve

2. Tricuspid valve

3. Aortic valve

4. Mitral valve

The correct answer is: Aortic valve

The correct answer is the aortic valve because its primary role is to prevent the backflow of blood into the left ventricle after it has been pumped into the aorta. When the left ventricle contracts during systole, blood is ejected into the aorta through the aortic valve. Once the ventricle relaxes during diastole, the aortic valve closes to ensure that blood does not flow back into the heart, maintaining efficient circulation throughout the body. The pulmonary valve, on the other hand, is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Its function is to prevent blood from returning to the right ventricle after it has been pumped to the lungs. The tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and right ventricle, prevents backflow into the right atrium, while the mitral valve, situated between the left atrium and left ventricle, prevents backflow into the left atrium. Each of these valves has a specific role, but none prevent blood from returning to the left ventricle like the aortic valve does.