Chordae tendineae

The chordae tendineae (Latin, " chordae " ) are strands of connective tissue that connect the atrioventricular valves ( mitral and tricuspid ) of the heart with the papillary muscles. They prevent the repulse of the sails flap in the atrium during the cardiac cycle ( systole). Its main component is collagen. The exact collagen composition changes over the course of life, which leads to a slowing flexibility of the chordae.

The chordae can subsequent to myocardial rupture, resulting in the mitral or tricuspid valve to leakage ( insufficiency).

• Anatomy of the heart