Human A&P II

to prevent backward flow of blood. Heart valves are one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. For example, the AV valves only allow blood to flow from the atria to the ventricles. And the semilunar valves only allow blood to flow from the ventricles to the aorta and pulmonary trunk. When valves do not completely close, blood flows backward through the heart, creating an abnormal "sloshing" sound known as a heart murmur.

The ventricles are in diastole. Atrial contraction fills each of the ventricles to their maximum capacity−the end diastolic volume (EDV). This occurs towards the end of ventricular diastole while the ventricles are still relaxed.

The end diastolic volume (EDV). Isovolumetric contraction occurs at the beginning of ventricular systole when the ventricular volume is at its maximum value−the end diastolic volume (EDV). Because no volume changes occur during isovolumetric contraction, ventricular volume remains at this value throughout the phase.

The AV valves are closed. At the beginning of ventricular systole, the one-way AV valves are forced shut. The AV valves remain shut throughout ventricular systole. This prevents blood from flowing back into the atria when the ventricles contract.

he semilunar valves are open.. During ventricular ejection, blood flows from the ventricles into the arteries. To do so, the blood must pass through the semilunar valves, which must be open during this phase. Narrowing of the left semilunar valve reduces blood flow out of the heart, a disease condition known as aortic stenosis.

ventricular ejection. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced through the semilunar valves and out into the arteries, resulting in a reduction in ventricular blood volume. At the end of this phase, ventricular volume is at a minimum−the "end-systolic volume" (ESV).

end systolic volume (ESV). Isovolumetric relaxation occurs at the beginning of ventricular diastole when the ventricular volume is at its minimum value−the end systolic volume (ESV). Because no volume changes occur during isovolumetric relaxation, ventricular volume remains at this value throughout the phase.

ventricular filling. During ventricular filling the AV valves remain open, which allows blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles. The passive flow of blood during this phase (before atrial contraction) accounts for roughly 80 percent of the increase in ventricular volume.