Which one of the following statements is correct?
- The atrio-ventricular node (AVN) generates an action potential to stimulate atrial contraction
- The tricuspid and the bicuspid valves open due to the pressure exerted by the simultaneous contraction of the atria
- Blood moves freely from atrium to the ventricle during joint diastole.
- Increased ventricular pressure causes closing of the semilunar valves.
Answer
(3) Blood moves freely from atrium to the ventricle during joint diastole.
Solution
As per NCERT, when all four chambers are in a relaxed state (joint diastole), the tricuspid and bicuspid valves are open and blood from the pulmonary veins and vena cava flows through the atria into the ventricles.
(1) is wrong: the SA node, not the AVN, generates the action potential that stimulates atrial contraction.
(2) is wrong: the AV valves are already open during joint diastole; atrial systole only increases the flow of blood into the ventricles by about 30 per cent.
(4) is wrong: increased ventricular pressure closes the AV valves and opens the semilunar valves; the semilunar valves close when ventricular pressure falls during ventricular diastole.
Answer: (3)