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			| Normal Function of the Mitral ValveIllustrations copyright 2002 by Nucleus
		Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
		http://www.nucleusinc.com The mitral valve is one of four valves in the heart. It regulates
		blood flow from the upper left chamber (left atrium) into the lower left
		chamber (left ventricle), the heart's main pumping chamber.  A normal mitral valve has two flaps, or leaflets. When the heart
		pumps, blood forces the flaps open, and blood flows from the left atrium to the
		left ventricle. Between heartbeats, the leaflets close tightly so that blood
		does not leak backwards through the valve.ByHealthwise StaffPrimary Medical ReviewerRakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
 Specialist Medical ReviewerJohn A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
Current as ofApril 3, 2017Current as of:
                April 3, 2017Author:
          Healthwise Staff  Medical Review:
          Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology |  |  |  |  |  |