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Dimensions of the left atrioventricular valve and its components in normal human hearts
A J Bezerra1, L J DiDio, J C Prates
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brazil.
Insights
The posterior cusp of the left atrioventricular valve typically has three leaflets, with the intermediate one being the largest. This structure supports the valve
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Cardiovascular Science
- Morphology
Background:
- The left atrioventricular valve, also known as the mitral valve, plays a crucial role in preventing blood regurgitation into the left atrium.
- Detailed anatomical descriptions of the mitral valve's posterior cusp are essential for understanding cardiac function and surgical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological characteristics of the posterior cusp of the left atrioventricular valve in a Brazilian population.
- To determine the number of leaflets, their dimensions, and compare them with the anterior cusp.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic examination of the posterior cusp of the left atrioventricular valve in 100 Brazilian cadavers.
- Data collection included age, sex, ethnicity, and detailed measurements of the cusp's leaflets.
Main Results:
- The posterior cusp predominantly featured three leaflets (posteromedial, intermediate, anterolateral) in 91% of specimens.
- The intermediate leaflet was significantly wider (mean 18.8mm) and higher (mean 12.7mm) than the other two.
- Leaflets of the posterior cusp were consistently shorter than those of the anterior cusp.
Conclusions:
- The posterior cusp of the left atrioventricular valve exhibits a consistent three-leaflet structure in the studied population.
- Its morphology, particularly the shorter leaflets compared to the anterior cusp, suggests a primary role as a supporting structure for mitral valve function and complete closure.
Abstract:
The posterior cusp of the left atrioventricular valve was studied in 100 cadavers of Brazilians. There were 58 Caucasians and 42 non-Caucasians, 65 males and 35 females. Their age ranged from 18 to 72 years. In 91% of the cases the posterior cusp had 3 leaflets (posteromedial or right, intermediate, and anterolateral or left). The intermediate leaflet was wider (mean 18.8mm) and higher (mean 12.7mm) than the other two. All leaflets of the posterior cusp were shorter than the anterior cusp, a feature that confers on the posterior cusp the role of a supporting structure in addition to its role in the completion of closure of the left atrioventricular ostium.