Introduction: The right atrioventricular orifice is guarded by the tricuspid valve comprising three leaflets, from which the name ‘tricuspid’ is derived. The variations in the structural orientation of the tricuspid leaflets as the occurrence of accessory leaflets poses a major problem during surgeries related to the tricuspid valve.
Methods:The study sample consists of 100 formalin fixed adult human heart available in the Department of Anatomy & department of Forensic Medicine of Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru. The parameters were noted meticulously and the data processed.
Results: In this study, typical 3 leaflets were present in 42%, four leaflets in 42%, five leaflets in 13%, six leaflets in 2 % and seven leaflets in 1 % of heart specimens. 64.1 % accessory leaflets were present between posterior and septal leaflet, 24.3 % of accessory leaflet between anterior and posterior lealet and in 11.53 % of accessory leaflets were present between septal and anterior leaflet. The length of accessory leaflet were found to be 9.09±0.19 mm.
Conclusion: On the basis of the result of the present study it is suggested that the typical three cuspidal leaflets of right atrioventricular valve is relatively uncommon with frequent occurrences of accessory leaflets. The multicuspidal form of the tricuspidal the valve raises the concern about understanding the functional and physiological significance of accessory leaflets