What is the function of the chordae tendineae?

Prepare for the Anatomy and Physiology II Exam with comprehensive questions and detailed explanations. Gain confidence with our tailored quizzes and maximize your exam performance!

Chordae tendineae serve to stabilize the atrioventricular valve leaflets (mitral and tricuspid) and prevent their prolapse into the atria during ventricular contraction. They connect the valve leaflets to papillary muscles in the walls of the ventricles, so when the ventricles squeeze, the papillary muscles pull on the chordae to keep the leaflets from bulging backward and causing backflow. This is why they help ensure one-way blood flow through the heart.

They do not function to open AV valves, which actually close during systole as ventricular pressure rises. They do not attach to the semilunar valves, and they do not regulate heart rate, which is controlled by the conduction system and autonomic inputs.