The heart has four valves that regulate blood flow through the heart (see fig.2,3). The mitral valve and the tricuspid valve (atrioventricular valves) are located between the atria and ventricles. The aortic valve and pulmonary valve (semilunar valves) are located between the ventricles and the arteries that lead away from the heart.

The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium of the heart and the right ventricle of the heart (see fig. 1). The right side of the heart receives oxygen-poor blood from the body into the right atrium. This blood then flows through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. This valve closes as the right ventricle contracts and pushes blood into the pulmonary artery and to the lungs. The tricuspid valve prevents blood from flowing backwards into the right atrium.

Figure 1: Cut away view of the heart and tricuspid valve from the front.

Figure 2: Cut away view of the valves and chambers.

Figure 3: Cut away view of the tricuspid valve from the top.