CVS Practice Test

The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle and plays a crucial role in the heart's function. It ensures unidirectional blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. During the filling phase of the heart (diastole), the mitral valve opens to allow oxygen-rich blood from the lungs, coming through the pulmonary veins, to flow into the left ventricle.

As the heart contracts (systole), the mitral valve closes to prevent backflow of blood into the left atrium, allowing the blood to move forward into the aorta through the aortic valve. This valve is highly important in maintaining proper circulation and efficient heart function.

The other options, such as the aortic valve, tricuspid valve, and pulmonary valve, are located in different parts of the heart, serving different purposes in the blood flow process. The aortic valve is between the left ventricle and the aorta, the tricuspid valve is between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the pulmonary valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.