Leaflet

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Leaflet (medicine)

A Leaflet (pronounced: /ˈliːflɪt/) is a thin, flat piece of tissue inside the heart or veins that opens and closes to allow blood to flow in one direction. The term is derived from the Latin folium, meaning "leaf".

Structure

Leaflets are part of the heart valves and vein valves. They are composed of endothelial cells and are supported by a framework of collagenous and elastic fibers.

Function

The primary function of leaflets is to prevent the backflow of blood. They open to allow blood to flow through and then close to prevent it from flowing backward. This ensures that blood flows in one direction through the heart and veins.

Related Terms

  • Heart Valve: A structure in the heart that opens and closes to allow blood to flow in one direction.
  • Vein Valve: A structure in veins that prevents the backflow of blood.
  • Endothelial Cells: The cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
  • Collagenous Fibers: The main structural protein in the extracellular space in the various connective tissues in the body.
  • Elastic Fibers: A protein that coil and recoils like a spring within the elastic fibers of connective tissue and accounts for the elasticity of structures such the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, intestines, tendons, and others.

See Also

External links

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