Tricuspid Valve

The tricuspid valve is the heart valve that separates the right atrium from the right ventricle. The tricuspid valve is also known as the right atrioventricular valve. It consists of three leaflets, inserted on a ring (the tricuspid annulus) separating the right atrium from the right ventricle. These three leaflets are known as septal, anterior and posterior (or inferior). Each leaflet is connected to its own pillar by cords, but there are many anatomical variations. The widest leaflet is the anterior leaflet, the smallest the septal leaflet. The tricuspid annulus is not planar, but has a flattened oval shape, and is closed during ventricular systole to prevent blood flowing back into the atrium. During diastole, it opens and lowers to let blood flow from the atrium into the ventricle. Mechanically, we could say it acts as a non-return valve. It regulates the flow of blood to the right side of the heart during cardiac revolution.