Papillary muscles

General Information
Latin	musculi papillares
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System	Cardiovascular system
Artery	Coronary arteries
Vein
Nerve	Cardiac plexus
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The papillary muscles are muscles located in the ventricles of the heart. They attach to the cusps of the atrioventricular valves (the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve) via the chordae tendineae and contract to prevent inversion or prolapse of these valves during systole.

Structure

The papillary muscles are an integral part of the heart's anatomy. They are located in the left ventricle and right ventricle of the heart. Each ventricle contains several papillary muscles, which are named based on their location and the valve they support.

Left Ventricle

In the left ventricle, there are typically two papillary muscles:

• Anterior papillary muscle
• Posterior papillary muscle

These muscles are responsible for anchoring the mitral valve via the chordae tendineae.

Right Ventricle

In the right ventricle, there are usually three papillary muscles:

• Anterior papillary muscle
• Posterior papillary muscle
• Septal papillary muscle

These muscles support the tricuspid valve.

Function

The primary function of the papillary muscles is to prevent the atrioventricular valves from inverting during ventricular contraction. During systole, the papillary muscles contract, pulling on the chordae tendineae and holding the valve leaflets in a closed position. This action prevents regurgitation of blood back into the atria.

Clinical significance

Damage to the papillary muscles, such as from a myocardial infarction, can lead to valvular insufficiency and heart failure. Rupture of a papillary muscle is a serious condition that can result in acute mitral valve regurgitation and requires immediate medical attention.

See also

• Chordae tendineae
• Mitral valve
• Tricuspid valve
• Heart

External links

• Papillary muscles on WikiMD