The dicrotic notch (incisura) seen on the aortic pressure tracing is produced by:

• A Closure of the mitral valve
• B Opening of the aortic valve
• C Atrial contraction
• D Closure of the aortic valve ✓

Explanation

The dicrotic notch on the aortic pressure curve marks aortic valve closure at the end of ventricular ejection: a brief backflow of blood toward the valve is followed by elastic recoil of the aorta. Mitral valve closure contributes to the first heart sound, not the aortic incisura.

Reference: Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.