CVS Practice Test

The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, consists of two main leaflets which are referred to as the anterior and posterior leaflets. These leaflets function to facilitate the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle while preventing backflow during ventricular contraction.

The anterior leaflet is typically larger and more robust because it has to withstand greater forces, whereas the posterior leaflet is smaller and more flexible, accommodating changes in blood flow dynamics. Recognizing these specific names is important for understanding the anatomy of the heart and how it functions, especially in clinical settings where valve abnormalities may be assessed.

Other options like superior and inferior, left and right, or medial and lateral do not correctly describe the structure of the mitral valve. While these terms may be used in other anatomical contexts, the correct identification of the leaflets of the mitral valve specifically refers to the anterior and posterior designations.