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Aortic Valve Anatomy


The aortic valve has three parts, called "leaflets," that open and close. It functions as a one-way valve: when the left ventricle contracts, the valve only allows blood to flow out of the left ventricle and into the aorta. When the heart relaxes between contractions, the aortic valve closes, preventing blood in the aorta from returning to the left ventricle.

If calcium deposits build up on the aortic valve, the valve becomes hardened (calcified) over time. When thi...Read the full article