posterior leaflet (mitral valve, anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
The posterior leaflet of the mitral valve also is termed the ventricular or mural leaflet by some sources. It is defined as the region of the valve lying intermediate and posterior to the anterolateral and posteromedial commissures.
The edge of the leaflet is divided further by two minor 'clefts' which are much smaller than the commissures. As with other atrioventricular leaflets, the chordae tendinae attach to a roughened area at the edge of the cusp.
The posterior leaflet is thinner, smaller and more flexible than the anterior leaflet.