Which valve connects the left atrium to the left ventricle?

The valve that connects the left atrium to the left ventricle is the mitral valve. Its primary role is to allow oxygen-rich blood that has returned from the lungs to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. When the left ventricle contracts, the mitral valve closes to prevent backflow of blood into the left atrium, ensuring efficient circulation.

The mitral valve consists of two leaflets, which enable it to open and close effectively with each heartbeat. This valve is crucial for maintaining proper blood flow and pressure within the heart's chambers and throughout the body.

In contrast, the aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, controlling blood flow from the heart to the body. The pulmonic valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, managing blood flow to the lungs. The tricuspid valve, on the other hand, connects the right atrium to the right ventricle. Each of these valves has distinct functions and locations within the heart, highlighting the specific role that the mitral valve plays in the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle.