Difference between Mitral and Tricuspid Valve

These fulfill the function of preventing blood from flowing in the opposite direction, keeping the blood flow isolated for a moment, in one of the cavities. With each contraction of the heart, the chambers contract in a certain sequence to pump blood in one direction. Without these valves, blood would return to the chamber after contraction and the heart would not be able to supply the rest of the body. They are made up of thin, pressure-resistant membranes and are responsible for opening and closing the atria and ventricles.

Mitral valve

Also called the bicuspid valve, it is responsible for preventing blood from returning from the left ventricle to the left atrium. It is formed by two membranes that receive tendons from the anterior and posterior papillary muscles, located on the outer wall of the left ventricle. It is known as mitral because of its shape of a tiara or miter, the tall cap used by the Persians. It is located between the left ventricle and the left atrium

It is the strongest and thickest of the valves because it is on the side of the heart that is most under pressure. It allows the passage of oxygenated blood flow from the lungs from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

Tricuspid valve

It is the one that the blood returns from the right ventricle to the right atrium. It is formed by three membranes, these receive chordae tendineae anchored to the walls of the right ventricle. It allows the passage of blood full of impurities and high content of carbon dioxide after its journey through the body from the right atrium to the right ventricle and prevents its return.

Differences between mitral and tricuspid valve

• The mitral valve is made up of two membranes.
• The tricuspid valve is made up of three membranes.
• The mitral valve prevents oxygenated blood from returning from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
• The tricuspid valve prevents carbon dioxide-rich blood from flowing back from the right atrium to the right ventricle.