Which valves are classified as the semilunar valves?

Semilunar valves play a crucial role in the heart's function by controlling blood flow from the ventricles to the major arteries that supply the body and lungs. The two valves classified as semilunar valves are the pulmonary and aortic valves.

The pulmonary valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, allowing deoxygenated blood to flow to the lungs for oxygenation. The aortic valve is situated between the left ventricle and the aorta, permitting oxygenated blood to enter the systemic circulation. Both of these valves feature three cusps that resemble a half-moon shape, which is how they earned the term "semilunar."

In contrast, the tricuspid and mitral valves are classified as atrioventricular valves. The tricuspid valve is found between the right atrium and the right ventricle, while the mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. These valves are distinct in both structure and function from the semilunar valves, as they prevent backflow of blood into the atria during ventricular contraction, rather than regulating outflow into the arteries.

Understanding the specific roles and locations of these valves is essential for comprehending the overall