Which valve is associated with regulating blood flow into the pulmonary artery?

The pulmonary valve is responsible for regulating blood flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery. During the cardiac cycle, when the right ventricle contracts (systole), the pulmonary valve opens, allowing deoxygenated blood to flow into the pulmonary artery, which leads to the lungs for oxygenation. Once the blood is ejected, the pulmonary valve then closes to prevent any backflow into the ventricle as it relaxes (diastole). This function is crucial for maintaining proper circulation and ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction within the heart and out to the lungs for gas exchange. Understanding the role of the pulmonary valve is essential for grasping the fundamentals of cardiovascular physiology and the overall function of the heart.