A 20-year-old male underwent an echocardiogram to assess chest pain. Results revealed a congenital defect in papillary muscles. Which of the following would occur?
A) Semilunar valve closure
B) Backward expulsion of the atrioventricular valves
C) Atrioventricular valve closure
D) Backward expulsion of the semilunar valves

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Papillary muscles are responsible for holding the atrioventricular valves in place during ventricular contraction. If there is a congenital defect in the papillary muscles, they may not be able to maintain the valve closure during systole (ventricular contraction), leading to regurgitation (backflow) of blood into the atria. Therefore, backward expulsion of the atrioventricular valves is the most likely outcome in this case.

A 20-Year-Old Male Underwent an Echocardiogram to Assess Chest Pain