The valves that have chordae tendineae are the atrioventricular (AV) valves, specifically the tricuspid valve (between the right atrium and ventricle) and the mitral valve (between the left atrium and ventricle). Chordae tendineae are fibrous cords that connect these valves to the papillary muscles in the ventricles, helping to prevent the valves from prolapsing during ventricular contraction. These structures play a crucial role in maintaining proper heart function by ensuring one-way blood flow.
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Elastin fibers
Chordae tendineae
Chordae tendineae
chordae tendineae
Chordae Tendineae
papillary muscles
The papillary muscles and cusps of the heart valves.
Thin endocardium
papillary muscles
The chordae tendineae keep the tricuspid and bicuspid valves from compressing past the point of closure when the ventricles contract. If the chordae tendineae were not functioning properly, the pressure from ventricular contraction would force the valve to open into the atrium and cause backward flow of blood. In summary, blood would flow the wrong direction, decreasing the heart's effectiveness.