Aortic valve annulus

The aortic valve annulus is a complex, crown-shaped anatomical structure that serves as the junction between the left ventricular outflow tract and the ascending aorta (StatPearls, 2023). It provides the essential structural support for the three semilunar leaflets of the aortic valve, ensuring proper valve alignment and function during the cardiac cycle (Radiopaedia, 2024). Composed primarily of fibrous connective tissue, including collagen and elastin, the annulus is not a single histological entity but rather a functional transition zone (JACC, 2012). In the context of cardiovascular disease, the annulus is frequently involved in degenerative processes such as calcification, which can lead to aortic stenosis or structural weakening resulting in aortic regurgitation (American Heart Association, 2021). While it is not a molecular target for pharmacological agents, it is a critical landmark for surgical and transcatheter interventions, such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), where precise measurement of the annulus is vital for device sizing (Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease, 2021). Complications involving the annulus, such as rupture or abscess formation in endocarditis, represent significant clinical challenges (Circulation, 2018).

Other names

Aortic annulusBasal ring of the aortic valveVentriculo-aortic junction

Not applicable for anatomical structures