The heart valves open and close due to
A) attachment to the heart muscle.
B) a pressure difference on the two sides of the valve.
C) Na+ and K+ fluxes during ventricular depolarization.
D) turbulent flow in the atria and ventricles.
E) none of these answers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The heart valves open and close due to a pressure difference on the two sides of the valve. When the pressure on one side is higher, the valve opens to allow blood to flow through, and when the pressure on the other side is higher, the valve closes to prevent backflow. The attachment to the heart muscle, Na+ and K+ fluxes during ventricular depolarization, and turbulent flow in the atria and ventricles may all play a role in heart function, but they are not the primary reason for valve opening and closing.

The Heart Valves Open and Close Due to