Describe the roles of the valves found in the heart, stating their names and the locations in which they are found.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 9.1 Circulatory systems · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Valves prevent the backflow of blood.
The atrioventricular (AV) valves are found between the atria and ventricles.
The semilunar valves are found between the ventricles and the arteries.
Valves are not found in arteries because the high blood pressure keeps the blood moving forward.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terminology: ‘atrioventricular (AV) valves’ and ‘semilunar valves’. Mention the specific locations (between atria and ventricles; between ventricles and arteries). Explain the function – prevention of backflow – and why arteries lack valves.
  • common_mistakes
  • :
  • Confusing the names of the valves or giving the wrong locations. Omitting the reason arteries do not have valves. Using vague phrases like ‘prevent backflow’ without specifying the valve types.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Valves prevent the backflow of blood
  2. The atrioventricular (AV) valves are found between the atria and ventricles
  3. The semilunar valves are found between the ventricles and the arteries
  4. Valves are not found in arteries because blood pressure is high enough to prevent backflow

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