CVS Practice Test 2025 – The All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

The atrioventricular (AV) node is located near the tricuspid valve, which separates the right atrium from the right ventricle. This positioning is significant because the AV node functions as a critical component of the heart's conduction system, facilitating the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm.

Specifically, the AV node receives impulses from the sinoatrial (SA) node, allowing a slight delay before these impulses are transmitted to the ventricles. This delay is essential to ensure that the atria have time to contract and fully fill the ventricles with blood before they contract. The proximity of the AV node to the tricuspid valve allows it to effectively manage this coordination within the right side of the heart.

The other heart valves, such as the aortic, pulmonary, and mitral valves, are located elsewhere in the heart and do not have a direct relationship with the positioning or function of the AV node. The tricuspid valve’s unique location and function in regulating blood flow between the atrium and ventricle further reinforce why the AV node is situated nearby.