PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your one-way traffic guides

blood VALVES

Blood valves are like traffic gates on the circulatory highways. They ensure blood flows in the right direction, preventing backflow and keeping circulation smooth and efficient.

  • Prevent blood from flowing backward in veins and the heart

  • Maintain steady blood pressure and efficient circulation

  • Support the heart’s pumping action by directing blood flow

  • Work in coordination with muscle contractions to help blood return to the heart

BLOOD VALVE BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for valve-related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Atrioventricular (AV) Valves - Valves between atria and ventricles in the heart (tricuspid & mitral)

Semilunar Valves - Valves at the exit of the ventricles (pulmonary & aortic)

Vein Valves - One-way flaps in veins that prevent backward blood flow

Regurgitation - Backward flow of blood due to faulty valve

Stenosis - Narrowing of a valve that restricts blood flow

WHAT BLOOD VALVES WORK WITH

BLOOD VALVES + OTHER SYSTEMS

  1. Heart → Valves inside the heart chambers control blood entering and leaving each chamber

  2. Veins → One-way valves help blood move back to the heart against gravity

  3. Muscles → Contractions squeeze veins, pushing blood through valves

  4. Arteries & Capillaries → Ensure smooth forward flow toward tissues and back

  5. Nervous System → Signals help adjust valve function indirectly by controlling vessel constriction

HealthY BLOOD valves…

Healthy valves keep blood flowing efficiently, prevent pooling or backflow, and support proper circulation. Maintaining cardiovascular fitness, avoiding high blood pressure, and addressing valve conditions early help preserve their function.