What do the chordae tendineae attach to in the heart?

The chordae tendineae are fibrous strings that connect the valve leaflets of the heart, specifically the atrioventricular (AV) valves, to the papillary muscles located in the ventricles. These structures play a crucial role in maintaining the proper function of the AV valves during the cardiac cycle. When the ventricles contract, the papillary muscles also contract, pulling on the chordae tendineae. This tension prevents the valve leaflets from prolapsing or inverting into the atria, ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction during ventricular contraction.

Understanding the function of the chordae tendineae is vital in grasping the mechanics of heart valve operation and the overall dynamics of blood flow through the heart. The connection between the valve leaflets and the papillary muscles reveals how structural components of the heart work in concert to promote efficient circulation, especially during the high-pressure events of the cardiac cycle.