What is the function of the anatomical structure indicated by the blue arrow in the image below?

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Options:
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the heart with the atria removed to allow the visualisation of the atrioventricular valves on both sides – which are viewed superiorly and to the left side of the image. The arrow indicates the aortic valve, which can be identified by its position within a large blood vessel, situated in between the tricuspid and the mitral valves. The aortic valve normally has three cusps, although some individuals may have a bicuspid aortic valve. The function of the aortic valve is to ensure unidirectional flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.
name: Ensures unidirectional flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta
label: a
answer: yes
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the heart with the atria removed to allow the visualisation of the atrioventricular valves on both sides – which are viewed superiorly and to the left side of the image. This answer describes the function of the mitral valve, which is depicted superiorly in this image. However, the arrow indicates the aortic valve, which can be identified by its position within a large blood vessel, situated in between the tricuspid and the mitral valves and having three cusps. The function of the aortic valve is to ensure unidirectional flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.
name: Ensures unidirectional flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle
label: c
answer: no
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the heart with the atria removed to allow the visualisation of the atrioventricular valves on both sides – which are viewed superiorly and to the left side of the image. This answer describes the function of the tricuspid valve, which is depicted on the left side of this image. However, the arrow indicates the aortic valve, which can be identified by its position within a large blood vessel, situated in between the tricuspid and the mitral valves and having three cusps. The function of the aortic valve is to ensure unidirectional flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.
name: Ensures unidirectional flow of blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle
label: b
answer: no
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the heart with the atria removed to allow the visualisation of the atrioventricular valves on both sides – which are viewed superiorly and to the left side of the image. This answer describes the function of the pulmonary valve, which can be seen just lateral to the aortic valve in this image [right side of image]. Thus, the arrow indicates the aortic valve, which can be identified by its position within a large blood vessel, situated in between the tricuspid and the mitral valves and having three cusps. The function of the aortic valve is to ensure unidirectional flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.
name: Ensures unidirectional flow of blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries
label: d
answer: no
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the heart with the atria removed to allow the visualisation of the atrioventricular valves on both sides – which are viewed superiorly and to the left side of the image. The answer is incorrect, because blood leaving the right ventricle passes through the pulmonary trunk into the pulmonary arteries, not veins. However, the arrow indicates the aortic valve, which can be identified by its position within a large blood vessel, situated in between the tricuspid and the mitral valves and having three cusps. The function of the aortic valve is to ensure unidirectional flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.
name: Ensures unidirectional flow of blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary veins
label: e
answer: no

Correct answer: a