What happens to the outflow valves during late diastole?

During late diastole, the heart is in a phase of relaxation, allowing the atria to fill with blood before they contract. At this time, the ventricles are also filled with blood from the atria, and the pressure within the ventricles is lower than the pressure in the aorta and pulmonary artery. To maintain the unidirectional flow of blood and prevent backflow into the ventricles, the outflow valves, which include the aortic and pulmonary valves, remain closed. Their closure helps to ensure that blood flow is efficiently directed into systemic and pulmonary circulation during the subsequent phases of the cardiac cycle, particularly during ventricular contraction (systole). This mechanism is vital for maintaining effective cardiovascular dynamics and ensuring proper function of the heart as a pump.