Which valve is best heard at the second right intercostal space?

• A. Aortic valve
• B. Pulmonary valve
• C. Mitral valve
• D. Tricuspid valve

Answer: (A)

Understanding where to listen for each heart valve helps you identify sounds by anatomy. The aortic valve sits just to the right of the sternum at the second intercostal space, making that location the classic aortic area for auscultation. There you mainly hear the closure of the aortic valve (A2) and any related murmurs or changes. That’s why the best sound at the second right intercostal space corresponds to the aortic valve.

The other valves have different return points: the pulmonary valve is best heard at the left second intercostal space; the mitral valve at the apex of the heart (left fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line); and the tricuspid valve along the left lower sternal border around the fourth intercostal space.