Which structures attach to the chordae tendineae to limit movement of valve cusps and prevent backflow of blood?

Which structures attach to the chordae tendineae to limit movement of valve cusps and prevent backflow of blood?

• A. Papillary muscles
• B. Chordae tendineae
• C. Aorta
• D. Pulmonary arteries

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how the valve leaflets are held in place to prevent regurgitation during ventricular contraction. The chordae tendineae attach the valve leaflets to the papillary muscles, which are small muscles on the ventricular walls. When the ventricle contracts, the papillary muscles pull on the chordae, tensing the leaflets so they stay closed and don’t bulge backward into the atria. This tension prevents backflow of blood. The aorta and pulmonary arteries aren’t involved in this tethering system; they are outlets for the ventricles and relate to the semilunar valves instead.

The key idea is how the valve leaflets are held in place to prevent regurgitation during ventricular contraction. The chordae tendineae attach the valve leaflets to the papillary muscles, which are small muscles on the ventricular walls. When the ventricle contracts, the papillary muscles pull on the chordae, tensing the leaflets so they stay closed and don’t bulge backward into the atria. This tension prevents backflow of blood. The aorta and pulmonary arteries aren’t involved in this tethering system; they are outlets for the ventricles and relate to the semilunar valves instead.