How is the tricuspid valve also referred to?

The tricuspid valve is known as the right atrioventricular (AV) valve because it is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. Its role is to control blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle, preventing backflow during ventricular contraction.

Understanding the naming of heart valves is crucial for recognizing their functions and locations. The left AV valve, for instance, is more commonly referred to as the bicuspid or mitral valve, which is not the case for the tricuspid valve. Similarly, the aortic valve and pulmonary valve play different roles in the heart's circulation, specifically in regulating blood flow out of the ventricles, rather than between the atria and ventricles. Thus, the tricuspid valve's designation as the right AV valve reflects its important position and function within the right side of the heart.