Question

1. What happens if fluid were to fill the pericardium?

2. What is the function of heart valves? What problems may arise if the valves do not work properly?

Answer 1

1. Normally there is minute quantity of fluid within the two layers of the pericardium. If there is excess amount of fluid in the pericardium, it causes pericardial effusion and it will cause pressure effect on the heart and prevents the filling of the blood in the heart.

2. The valves allow the blood to flow in one direction only and prevents the back flow of the blood.

There may be two problems with the malfunctioning of the valves

A. If the valve is too narrow and unable to open completely, it is called stenotic valve and it prevents the normal flowbof blood through the valve.

B. If the valve is floppy or widened, then it will allow the back flow of the blood which it shouldn't be doing. This valve is called incompetent valve.

Hope this helps... Thank you!!!