The morphology of the right atrioventricular valve in the adult human heart

Abstract

Studies of the morphometry and normal anatomy of the tricuspid valve are in constant demand. Knowledge of the morphology of the normal tricuspid valve may be useful, for example in the context of the transfer of a leaflet of the tricuspid valve for repair or insufficiency of the mitral valve, in repair of the tricuspid valve after blunt chest trauma and in other surgical techniques of this region. In this study, performed in a group of 107 formalin-fixed adult human hearts, we attempted to assess the form and number of the main and accessory cusps in the tricuspid valve. Rare anatomical variants of the tricuspid valve were found. Using a planimeter we evaluated the surface area of the tricuspid valve and particular leaflets. With the help of a Vernier scale we measured the length and height of individual leaflets of the tricuspid valve and the length of the commissures. No differences were found between the length of the anterior and septal leaflets. The posterior leaflet was the shortest, while the anterior leaflet was the widest and had the largest surface area. The posterior leaflet was wider than the septal leaflet and had the smallest surface area. No differences were found between the main and accessory leaflets in the length of the commissures.