Translations:Herz/121/en
Aus Dornheim Anatomy
Semilunar valves (Valvae semilunares)
The pulmonary valve and the aortic valve belong to the semilunar valves. Their structure is made up of a thin connective tissue with an endocardial covering. The valves are composed of three crescent-shaped pockets (valvula semilunaris anterior, sinistra and dextra) and open in the direction of the vessels in the ostium aortae or ostium trunci pulmonalis. The individual valves have a free edge (lunula valvae semilunares), which thickens in the middle to form a small connective tissue nodule (nodulus valvulae semilunaris). When the valve closes, the nodules and lunulae meet. In this way, the ostium is completely sealed. The backflow of blood is prevented by filling the pockets. No muscle contraction is necessary in this process.
