adjective
mitral
MYE-trul/mˈaɪtrʌl/
Relating to the valve between the heart's left upper and lower chambers.
The mitral valve controls blood flow between the heart's left chambers.
Etymology
The headgear word came to name a bishop’s mitre. The heart valve was named for its resemblance to that hat, so mitral connects its anatomical meaning with a visual comparison.
In context
the atrium contracts, which increases the pressure, so the blood passes down through the mitral valve into the left ventricle.
More examples
- The ultrasound shows mild mitral valve leakage.
- She takes medication to manage her mitral valve disease.
- Severe mitral stenosis can cause shortness of breath.
Similar words
- bicuspid
- Describes two cusps, including those of the mitral valve.