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Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 7th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 17, Problem 6

The chordae tendineae:
a. The atrioventricular valves
b. Prevent the AV valve flaps from everting
c. Contract the papillary muscles
d. Open the semilunar valves

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the anatomy of the heart: The chordae tendineae are fibrous cords that connect the atrioventricular (AV) valve flaps to the papillary muscles located in the ventricles.
Learn the function of the chordae tendineae: Their primary role is to prevent the AV valve flaps (tricuspid and mitral valves) from everting or flipping backward into the atria during ventricular contraction.
Clarify the role of papillary muscles: The papillary muscles contract during ventricular systole, pulling on the chordae tendineae to maintain tension and ensure the AV valves remain closed properly.
Differentiate between AV valves and semilunar valves: The chordae tendineae are associated only with the AV valves (tricuspid and mitral) and do not play a role in opening or closing the semilunar valves (pulmonary and aortic valves).
Review the options provided: Based on the anatomy and function of the chordae tendineae, identify the correct answer as the one describing their role in preventing the AV valve flaps from everting.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chordae Tendineae

The chordae tendineae are fibrous cords that connect the papillary muscles to the atrioventricular (AV) valves in the heart. They play a crucial role in maintaining the position of the valve flaps during the cardiac cycle, preventing them from inverting or prolapsing into the atria when the ventricles contract.

Atrioventricular Valves

The atrioventricular valves, which include the tricuspid and mitral valves, are located between the atria and ventricles of the heart. They ensure unidirectional blood flow from the atria to the ventricles and are supported by the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles to prevent backflow during ventricular contraction.
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Papillary Muscles

Papillary muscles are small muscular projections located within the ventricles of the heart. They are attached to the chordae tendineae and contract during ventricular systole, helping to stabilize the AV valves and prevent them from inverting, thus ensuring proper closure and function of the valves.
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