The Cusps (Leaflets) of Atrioventricular Valves Attach Directly To

Question

The cusps (leaflets) of atrioventricular valves attach directly to
A) papillary muscles.
B) trabeculae carneae.
C) chordae tendineae.
D) interatrial septa.
E) coronary sulci.

Accepted Answer

The chordae tendineae are fibrous cords that anchor the cusps of the atrioventricular valves to the papillary muscles, which are small conical muscles attached to the ventricular walls. When the ventricles contract, the papillary muscles also contract, pulling on the chordae tendineae and preventing the cusps from everting into the atria.