Which valve exits the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery?

Which valve exits the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery?

• A. Pulmonic (semilunar) valve
• B. Aortic (semilunar) valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Answer: (A)

The valve exiting the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery is the pulmonic valve, also called the pulmonary semilunar valve. It sits at the outflow tract from the right ventricle and opens during systole to push blood into the pulmonary artery toward the lungs, then closes to prevent backflow into the ventricle. This distinguishes it from the tricuspid valve, which is between the right atrium and right ventricle; the mitral valve, between the left atrium and left ventricle; and the aortic valve, between the left ventricle and the aorta.