Ligament
Chordae tendineae
Fibrous restraints for the atrioventricular leaflets
High-yield
Chordae support the atrioventricular valves; aortic and pulmonary cusps have none.
Overview
Chordae are branching connective-tissue cords beneath the mitral and tricuspid valves. They connect leaflet margins or ventricular surfaces with papillary muscles, and some arise from the ventricular wall. Their tensile support keeps pressure-loaded leaflets from turning excessively toward the atria.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- Papillary muscles or ventricular wall to the margins and ventricular surfaces of mitral or tricuspid leaflets
- Function
- Restrain leaflet prolapse and distribute force through the valve–ventricle apparatus during systole
- Clinical point
- Disrupted chordal support can produce a flail leaflet segment and valvar regurgitation
Clinical correlation
A ruptured chord can leave a leaflet segment unsupported and cause regurgitation. The effect varies with the damaged cord, leaflet region and remaining support.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the chordae tendineae attach?
The chordae tendineae attach papillary muscles or ventricular wall to the margins and ventricular surfaces of mitral or tricuspid leaflets.
What do the chordae tendineae do?
Restrain leaflet prolapse and distribute force through the valve–ventricle apparatus during systole.
Why do the chordae tendineae matter clinically?
Disrupted chordal support can produce a flail leaflet segment and valvar regurgitation.