Thin strands of fibrous connective tissue extend from the atrioventricular (AV) valves to the papillary muscles and prevent the AV valves from bulging back into the atria during ventricular systole. These strands are called _____.
A) cardiac cilia
B) Purkinje fibers
C) papillary muscles
D) chordae tendineae

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chordae tendineae are thin strands of connective tissue. On one end, they are attached to the underside of the AV valves. On the other end, they are attached to small mounds of myocardium called papillary muscles. Papillary muscles project inward from the lower portion of the ventricular walls. When the ventricles contract and relax, so do the papillary muscles. The papillary muscles adjust their tension on the chordae tendineae, preventing them from bulging too far into the atria. Cardiac cilia are not present. Purkinje fibers are related to the electrical system of the heart and not fibrous connective tissue.

Thin Strands of Fibrous Connective Tissue Extend from the Atrioventricular