When the ventricles begin to contract, what happens to the AV valves and later to the semilunar valves?

Study for the Ivy Tech Anatomy and Physiology II Heart Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam and bolster your understanding of heart anatomy and physiology!

Multiple Choice

When the ventricles begin to contract, what happens to the AV valves and later to the semilunar valves?

Explanation:
When the ventricles start contracting, the pressure inside them rises quickly and pushes the atrioventricular valves closed, preventing blood from flowing back into the atria. This marks the isovolumetric contraction phase, where all valves are momentarily closed. As ventricular pressure continues to rise and exceeds the pressure in the arteries, the semilunar valves open, allowing blood to be ejected into the aorta and pulmonary trunk.

When the ventricles start contracting, the pressure inside them rises quickly and pushes the atrioventricular valves closed, preventing blood from flowing back into the atria. This marks the isovolumetric contraction phase, where all valves are momentarily closed. As ventricular pressure continues to rise and exceeds the pressure in the arteries, the semilunar valves open, allowing blood to be ejected into the aorta and pulmonary trunk.

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