In standard textbooks of anatomy it is generally accepted that the fib
rous ring of the mitral valve lies in a single plane throughout its en
tire circumference. Some authors have stated otherwise, but there are
no morphometric studies.30 formalin-fixed hearts were sectioned to rev
eal the shape of the fibrous ring of the mitral valve and studied by m
orphometric, radiographic and histological methods. It was noted that
the fibrous ring adopted a horizontal ''S'' shape around the two commi
ssures and the average distance between the highest and lowest parts o
f the fibrous ring was found to be 7.1 mm (range 6.2-12.5 mm). Radiogr
aphic evaluation revealed that the fibrous ring lies approximately in
two planes rather than in one. Histological study showed that the fibr
ous tissue of the mitral valve is continuous with the aortic fibrous r
ing, and that a slight but significant thickening marks the insertion
of the mitral valve. The mitral valve thus lies in two planes, and it
is hoped that this information will contribute to cardiac and valvulop
lastic surgery.