The aortic valve opens to allow blood to exit the left ventricle and flow into the aorta when the pressure in the left ventricle rises above the pressure in the aorta. This is part of the cardiac cycle, ensuring one-way blood flow from the heart to the systemic circulation. Choices B, C, and D describe functions of other heart valves, not the aortic valve.

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The Aortic Valve

Question 218

Multiple Choice

The aortic valve:

A) opens to allow blood to exit the left ventricle and flow into the aorta when the pressure in the left ventricle rises above the pressure in the aorta
B) allows blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle
C) prevents the flow of blood back into the right ventricle and opens to allow deoxygenated blood to flow through the pulmonary artery into the lungs
D) stops the backflow of blood between the right atrium and right ventricle

Correct Answer: