Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE) – Canine Physical Practice Exam 2026 - Free Canine Physical Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is anatomically positioned between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. This valve is crucial for proper blood flow in the heart, as it prevents the backflow of blood into the atrium when the ventricle contracts. During diastole, the mitral valve opens to allow oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to flow into the left ventricle, which is then pumped out to the body through the aorta during systole. Understanding the specific location and function of the mitral valve is essential in the context of both normal heart physiology and various cardiac conditions.