Question

Which of the following statements best describes the function of the chordae tendineae?

They pull downward on the valve cusps, thereby preventing the AV valves from being pushed into the atria (prolapsing).
The chordae tendineae generate autorhythmicity within the heart.
When the heart contracts, the chordate tendineae separate the flow of blood from the right and left sides of the heart.
They open and close the AV valve due to the movement of the papillary muscle during contraction.
The chordae tendineae act like a parachute and capture blood as it enters the right ventricle.

Answer 1

The chordae tendineae prevent the flaps of the AV valves from being forced into the atria during ventricular contraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of the chordae tendineae is to prevent the flaps of the atrioventricular valves from being forced into the atria during ventricular contraction. When the myocardium of the ventricles contracts, the pressure within the ventricles rises and blood flows toward the area of lower pressure in the atria.

To prevent backflow and regurgitation of blood into the atria, the papillary muscles contract, generating tension on the chordae tendineae and holding the cusps of the AV valves in place.