What the function of papillary muscle?
Here's an overview of the function of papillary muscles:
1.Valve Attachment: The papillary muscles are connected to the leaflets of the atrioventricular valves (tricuspid valve on the right side and mitral valve on the left side) through chordae tendineae, which are strong, fibrous cords.
2.Valve Support: During ventricular contraction, when the ventricles squeeze to pump blood out, the increased pressure within the ventricles tends to push the valve leaflets backward into the atria. The papillary muscles counteract this force by pulling the chordae tendineae and preventing the valves from prolapsing or becoming incompetent.
3.Prevention of Backflow: By supporting the valve leaflets and preventing their backward displacement, the papillary muscles ensure that the valves close tightly during ventricular systole (contraction). This prevents the regurgitation or backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria, maintaining forward blood flow through the heart.
4.Synchronized Contraction: The papillary muscles contract in coordination with the ventricular myocardium. This ensures that the valves open and close at the appropriate time during the cardiac cycle, preventing any disruption in blood flow.
5.Adaptation to Volume Changes: The papillary muscles can adjust their contraction strength based on changes in blood volume. This allows the heart to maintain efficient pumping action even with variations in the amount of blood present within the ventricles.
Overall, the function of papillary muscles is to support the atrioventricular valves, preventing their backward movement and ensuring unidirectional blood flow from the atria to the ventricles during cardiac contraction. Proper functioning of the papillary muscles is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the heart's pumping mechanism and preventing regurgitation of blood.