ABSTRACT
The aortic valve (AV) sits at the outlet of the left ventricle. The normal AV is a trileaflet structure, with three semilunar cusps. The AV cannot be described as an independent entity since it is a part of the functional aortic root (AR). The AR has four main structural components: the aortic annulus, the aortic cusps, the sinuses of Valsalva, and the sinotubular junction (STJ). The right and left coronary ostia arise from the right and left sinuses, while the sinus without coronary orifice is called the non-coronary sinus. The aortic annulus (AA) is the anchoring point of the AV leaflets. It is a crownshaped structure. The plane connecting the three tips, also known as commissures, represents the STJ.
