Which valve connects the right atrium to the right ventricle?

• A. Pulmonary valve
• B. Mitral valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Aortic valve

Answer: (C)

This question tests your knowledge of heart valve anatomy on the right side of the heart. The valve that connects the right atrium to the right ventricle is the tricuspid valve. It opens to allow blood to flow from the atrium into the ventricle during heart relaxation (diastole) and closes during contraction (systole) to prevent blood from flowing backward into the atrium. The tricuspid valve has three leaflets and is tethered by chordae tendineae to papillary muscles, which helps keep the leaflets from prolapsing during systole.

The other valves are located elsewhere: the pulmonary valve sits between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery; the mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle; and the aortic valve sits between the left ventricle and the aorta.