What is the mitral valve?
The mitral valve is called the mitral valve (bicuspid valve). Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a two-leaflet valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. Also called the bicuspid valve because it has two cusps.
What it is
- A two-leaflet valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.
- Named for its resemblance to a bishop's mitre.
- Prevents backflow of blood into the atrium when the ventricle contracts.
Where it is
- Between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
- Its leaflets are anchored by thin cords (chordae tendineae) to papillary muscles in the ventricle wall.
- Opens during ventricular filling; closes during ventricular contraction.
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Last verified: 2026-07-18
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