Explain how the heart muscle and the heart valves maintain a one-way flow of blood from the left atrium to the aorta

The left atrium has a higher pressure than the left ventricle due to the atrium filling with blood and contractingThis causes the atrioventricular valves (the mitral/bicuspid valve in the left side of the heart) to open This causes blood to flow into the left ventricle, causing the left ventricle's pressure to increase due to it filling with blood and contractingThe mitral/bicuspid valve closes to prevent blood flowing from the left ventricle to the left atrium (back flow)The ventricle now has a higher pressure than the aorta, as it has filled with bloodThe semi-lunar (aortic) valve opens and blood flows from the left ventricle to the aortaHigher pressure in the aorta compared to the ventricle, due to the ventricle not contracting anymore, causes the aortic valve to close and blood can now flow around the body

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the course taken by a deoxygenated red blood cell returning to the heart from the circulation, naming any vessels or chambers along its course.


The pancreas contains areas called the islets of Langerhans. What are the two types of cells in this area and what hormone does each produce?


Describe the nature of the genetic code


Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a chemical found in pufferfish which binds to voltage-gated sodium channels causing inactivation via a conformational change. Poisoning can result in paralysis leading to death. How might this occur? (4 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences