Sydänläppien

Sydänläppien is a Finnish term that translates to "heart flaps" and refers to the four valves within the human heart. These valves are crucial for ensuring unidirectional blood flow through the heart's chambers and into the circulatory system. Each valve has a specific role in controlling the movement of blood.

The four heart valves are the tricuspid valve, the pulmonary valve, the mitral valve (also known as the bicuspid valve), and the aortic valve. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. The pulmonary valve is situated between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs. The mitral valve is found between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Finally, the aortic valve connects the left ventricle to the aorta, the body's main artery.

These valves open and close in a coordinated manner with each heartbeat. When a heart chamber contracts, the valve leading away from it opens, allowing blood to be pumped forward. When the chamber relaxes, the valve closes to prevent blood from flowing backward into the chamber it just left. This precise mechanism is essential for efficient circulation and oxygenation of the body's tissues. Problems with any of the sydänläppien, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage), can lead to various heart conditions and require medical attention.