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Glite Dictionary
bicuspid valve

bicuspid valve

4.0
A heart part with two flaps between the left upper and left lower chambers that controls blood flow
  • noun
  • /ˈbaɪˌkʌspɪd vælv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : válvula bicúspide
  • The mitral or bicuspid valve allows blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle during diastole.

Examples

  • The bicuspid valve plays a crucial role in ensuring proper blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

  • An issue with the bicuspid valve can lead to serious heart conditions, affecting overall health.

  • Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a disorder affecting the mitral or bicuspid valve, which allows blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle.

    Academic text (2007)

  • During surgery, the doctor carefully examined the bicuspid valve to check for any signs of damage.

Synonyms

mitral valve
vsbicuspid valve
  • Specialized
7 4.4

A valve in the left side of the heart that stops blood flowing backward

is a more technical alternative name for the same valve
left atrioventricular valve
vsbicuspid valve
  • Specialized
5.0

A heart valve with two flaps that lets blood move from the left atrium to the left ventricle without backflow

is the shorter more familiar name for that same valve

Surface Forms

bicuspid valve singular
bicuspid valves plural

Morphology

bicuspid + valve

The noun phrase is transparently built: 'bicuspid' means 'having two cusps' and 'valve' is a flow-control device, so the compound denotes a valve with two cusps. While the exact anatomical location (left atrium to left ventricle) is domain-specific, the core meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and thus accessible to learners who know both words.

Etymology

Bicuspid valve is named for its two small flaps: bicuspid means 'two points' and each flap is a cusp that opens and closes like a little door. These two flaps sit between the left upper and left lower parts of the heart and help blood flow in one direction. So, the name explains the valve's job, and it is also called the 'mitral valve'.