Leonardo da Vinci and the sinuses of Valsalva.
Recent studies indicate that eddy currents generated by the sinuses of Valsalva play an important role in the physiologic closure of the aortic valve. This process is briefly discussed and evidence is presented that this fact was well known and elaborated upon by the renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. This fact is illustrated with his words and drawings.
Robicsek
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Carolinas Heart Institute, Heineman Medical Research Laboratory, Charlotte, North Carolina.
D001154:Art / Q000266:history*; D001775:Blood Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D005197:Famous Persons; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D012850:Sinus of Valsalva / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*