Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

Which type of valves regulate blood flow between the ventricles and the major blood vessels they connect to?

1. Atrioventricular valves

2. Semilunar valves

3. Tricuspid valves

4. Bicuspid valves

The correct answer is: Semilunar valves

Semilunar valves are the crucial structures that regulate blood flow between the ventricles of the heart and the major blood vessels they connect to. There are two semilunar valves: the pulmonary valve, which controls blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, and the aortic valve, which regulates flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. These valves open to allow blood to be ejected from the ventricles into the arteries and close to prevent backflow into the ventricles once the heart has finished contracting. Understanding the role of semilunar valves is essential in comprehending the overall function of the cardiovascular system, particularly how blood is directed to the lungs and the rest of the body. In contrast, atrioventricular valves (like the tricuspid and bicuspid valves) are involved in controlling blood flow between the atria and the ventricles, not between the ventricles and the major arteries.