Chordae Tendineae: Heart Valve Anchors – Structure and Function

The chordae tendineae are thin, fibrous cords composed mainly of collagen. They connect the papillary muscles of the ventricles to the cusps (leaflets) of the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid). During ventricular systole, the chordae prevent valve prolapse into the atria, ensuring unidirectional blood flow from ventricles into the pulmonary artery and aorta. Rupture or elongation of chordae can cause acute valvular regurgitation and heart failure.