The "heartstrings" are the
A) cusps of the atrioventricular valves.
B) chordae tendineae.
C) trabeculae carneae.
D) papillary muscles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "heartstrings" refer to the chordae tendineae, which are strong fibrous cords that connect the papillary muscles to the cusps of the atrioventricular valves. When the papillary muscles contract, they pull on the chordae tendineae, which in turn pull on the valve cusps to prevent them from prolapsing (flopping back into the atrium).

The "Heartstrings" Are the