Organ
Mitral valve
A two-leaflet apparatus guarding the left atrioventricular opening
High-yield
Both left papillary-muscle groups send chordae to both leaflets; neither group belongs exclusively to one leaflet.
Overview
The mitral valve links the left atrium and ventricle through anterior and posterior leaflets. Its function depends on their attachment zone, chordae, papillary muscles and surrounding ventricular geometry working together. The anterior leaflet also borders the ventricular outflow tract.
Reference facts
- Location
- Between the left atrium and left ventricular inflow region
- Parts
- Anterior and posterior leaflets; the posterior commonly has three scallops, with chordae and two main papillary groups
- Blood supply
- Regional coronary branches supply the supporting myocardium; leaflet vessels are variable rather than a single circumflex-only supply
- Innervation
- Valvar sensory and autonomic nerve networks, distributed unevenly within the leaflets
- Relations
- Anterior continuity with the aortic root; circumflex artery and coronary sinus near the posterior attachment region
- Function
- Allows atrial-to-ventricular filling and resists reverse flow when the ventricle contracts
Clinical correlation
Mitral regurgitation may follow leaflet or chordal disease, or altered ventricular geometry that tethers otherwise intact leaflets. Valve competence depends on the entire apparatus.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the mitral valve located?
Between the left atrium and left ventricular inflow region.
What does the mitral valve do?
Allows atrial-to-ventricular filling and resists reverse flow when the ventricle contracts.
What are the parts of the mitral valve?
Anterior and posterior leaflets; the posterior commonly has three scallops, with chordae and two main papillary groups.
What is the blood supply of the mitral valve?
Regional coronary branches supply the supporting myocardium; leaflet vessels are variable rather than a single circumflex-only supply.