How many valves does the human heart have?

The human heart has four valves, which play a crucial role in ensuring the proper flow of blood through the heart and into the major arteries. These valves include the tricuspid valve, which controls blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle; the pulmonary valve, which regulates blood flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery; the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle; and the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. Each valve opens and closes at specific times during the cardiac cycle, preventing backflow and ensuring that blood moves efficiently in one direction, thereby maintaining effective circulation throughout the body. Understanding the function and structure of these four valves is fundamental to grasping how the heart operates as a pump.