Chordae tendineae connect valve leaflets to which structures?

Chordae tendineae connect valve leaflets to which structures?

• A. Papillary muscles
• B. Aortic arch
• C. Interventricular septum
• D. Endocardial lining

Answer: (A)

Chordae tendineae anchor the leaflets of the atrioventricular valves to the papillary muscles within the ventricles. This connection keeps the valve cusps taut when the heart contracts, preventing them from flipping back into the atria (prolapse) and thus avoiding regurgitation. The papillary muscles contract in coordination with the ventricles to maintain tension on the chordae during systole, ensuring one-way flow. The aortic arch is part of the arterial system, not involved in anchoring valve leaflets. The interventricular septum is the wall between the ventricles, and the endocardial lining is the inner surface of the heart chambers—neither serves as the attachment point for the leaflets.

Chordae tendineae anchor the leaflets of the atrioventricular valves to the papillary muscles within the ventricles. This connection keeps the valve cusps taut when the heart contracts, preventing them from flipping back into the atria (prolapse) and thus avoiding regurgitation. The papillary muscles contract in coordination with the ventricles to maintain tension on the chordae during systole, ensuring one-way flow.

The aortic arch is part of the arterial system, not involved in anchoring valve leaflets. The interventricular septum is the wall between the ventricles, and the endocardial lining is the inner surface of the heart chambers—neither serves as the attachment point for the leaflets.