Which structure is primarily involved in preventing AV valve prolapse by connecting leaflets to ventricular walls?

Which structure is primarily involved in preventing AV valve prolapse by connecting leaflets to ventricular walls?

• A. Chordae tendinae
• B. Papillary muscle
• C. Interventricular septum
• D. Pectinate muscle

Answer: (A)

Chordae tendineae are the fibrous cords that tether the valve leaflets of the mitral and tricuspid valves to the papillary muscles on the ventricular walls. When the ventricle contracts, the papillary muscles pull on these cords to tense the leaflets, preventing them from bulging back into the atria and thus preventing prolapse. In this system, the papillary muscles act as the muscular anchors, while the chordae tendineae are the actual connections that keep the leaflets aligned and closed during systole. The interventricular septum and pectinate muscles are not involved in this tethering mechanism.

Chordae tendineae are the fibrous cords that tether the valve leaflets of the mitral and tricuspid valves to the papillary muscles on the ventricular walls. When the ventricle contracts, the papillary muscles pull on these cords to tense the leaflets, preventing them from bulging back into the atria and thus preventing prolapse. In this system, the papillary muscles act as the muscular anchors, while the chordae tendineae are the actual connections that keep the leaflets aligned and closed during systole. The interventricular septum and pectinate muscles are not involved in this tethering mechanism.