An up-close and personal view of the heart ♥️, from @themedicalmentors ! . The chordae tendineae, colloquially known as the heart strings, are cord-like tendons that connect the papillary muscles to the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve (collectively known as the atrioventricular valves) in the heart. . During atrial systole, blood flows from the atria to the ventricles down the pressure gradient. Chordae tendineae are relaxed because the atrioventricular valves are forced open. . When the ventricles of the heart contract in ventricular systole, the increased blood pressures in both chambers push the atrioventricular valves to close simultaneously, preventing backflow of blood into the atria. Since the blood pressure in atria is much lower than that in the ventricles, the flaps attempt to evert to the low pressure regions. The chordae tendineae prevent the eversion, prolapse, by becoming tense thus pulling the flaps, holding them in closed position. . Tag a friend and help us spread the love for health and medicine! 🤓😷