Which heart valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?

The mitral valve is the structure that separates the left atrium from the left ventricle. It plays a critical role in ensuring unidirectional blood flow within the heart. During the cardiac cycle, when the left atrium fills with oxygenated blood from the lungs, the mitral valve opens to allow blood to flow into the left ventricle. When the ventricle contracts to pump blood into the aorta and systemic circulation, the mitral valve closes to prevent the backflow of blood into the atrium. Understanding the function and placement of the mitral valve is fundamental in cardiology, as it is involved in maintaining proper hemodynamics and overall cardiac function.