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What occurs when the mitral valve closes during heart muscle contraction?

  1. Blood is ejected from the left atrium

  2. Blood is ejected from the left ventricle

  3. Blood returns to the left atrium

  4. Blood flows into the aorta

The correct answer is: Blood is ejected from the left ventricle

The closure of the mitral valve occurs during the contraction of the heart, specifically during the systole phase of the cardiac cycle. This is when the heart muscle contracts to pump blood out of the chambers. When the mitral valve closes, it prevents the backflow of blood into the left atrium from the left ventricle. Instead, the left ventricle contracts, and this pressure forces blood into the aorta. Therefore, during this time, the primary event is the ejection of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta, which is a crucial part of maintaining effective circulation throughout the body. This process ensures that oxygenated blood is delivered to systemic circulation, facilitating essential functions such as delivering oxygen to tissues and organs.