# What is the aortic valve?

The aortic valve is called the aortic valve. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a three-cusp valve at the base of the aorta.

## What it means

- A three-cusp valve at the base of the aorta.
- Prevents blood from flowing back into the left ventricle after it has been pumped out.
- Opens with each ventricular contraction and closes as the ventricle relaxes.

## Action steps

1. Between the left ventricle and the ascending aorta.
2. Sits at the top of the left ventricle.
3. Its closure produces part of the second heart sound.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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