When the ventricles relax, atrial pressure exceeds ventricular pressure, the AV valves are pushed open and Page 2 blood flows into the ventricles. However, when the ventricles contract, ventricular pressure exceeds atrial pressure causing the AV valves to snap shut.

During which stage do the atrioventricular AV valves first close?

Heart Sounds

The first heart sound (S1) represents closure of the atrioventricular (mitral and tricuspid) valves as the ventricular pressures exceed atrial pressures at the beginning of systole (point a). S1 is normally a single sound because mitral and tricuspid valve closure occurs almost simultaneously.

What phase do AV valves close?

Phases of the Cardiac Cycle:

Isovolumetric ventricular contraction (a-b): This phase marks the beginning of systole and starts with the appearance of the QRS complex on the EKG and the closure of the AV valves at point (a).