In the anatomy of the heart, the valve of the coronary sinus (also called the Thebesian valve, after Adam Christian Thebesius[1][2][3]) is a valve located at the orifice of the coronary sinus where the coronary sinus drains into the right atrium.[4] It prevents blood from flowing backwards into the coronary sinus during contraction of the heart.
| Valve of the coronary sinus | |
|---|---|
 Interior of right side of heart. (Valve of the coronary sinus labeled at bottom left.) | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | valvula sinus coronarii |
| TA98 | A12.1.01.016 |
| TA2 | 4030 |
| FMA | 9242 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Anatomy
The valve of the coronary sinus is a thin, semilunar (half-moon-shaped) valve located on the anteroinferior part of the opening into the right atrium.[5] It is formed by as semicircular fold of the lining membrane of the right atrium. It is situated at the base of the inferior vena cava.[citation needed]
Variation
The valve may be completely absent;[6] it is present in 73-86% of individuals.[7]
The valve may vary in size.[6] It may be double, or it may be cribriform (containing numerous small holes).[citation needed]
Function
The valve prevents regurgitation of blood into the sinus during diastole (i.e. the contraction of the atrium).[4]
References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 531 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
