What supporting structure ensure that the valves of heart operate properly?

The supporting structures that ensure the valves of the heart operate properly are called the heart valves. Heart valves are located between the heart chambers and major blood vessels, and they play a crucial role in regulating the direction of blood flow and preventing backflow. There are four main heart valves:

1. Mitral Valve: Located between the left atrium and left ventricle, the mitral valve ensures that blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle during ventricular filling.

2. Tricuspid Valve: Situated between the right atrium and right ventricle, the tricuspid valve allows blood to flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle when the ventricles relax.

3. Aortic Valve: Positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta, the aortic valve prevents the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle when the ventricle contracts.

4. Pulmonary Valve: Located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, the pulmonary valve stops the regurgitation of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle during ventricular contraction.

Each of these heart valves consists of cusps or leaflets attached to strong, fibrous cords called chordae tendineae. The chordae tendineae connect the valve leaflets to the papillary muscles, which are muscular projections that arise from the ventricular walls.

When the heart contracts, the papillary muscles pull the chordae tendineae, which in turn causes the valve leaflets to close, preventing the backflow of blood into the atria. This coordinated action of the valves, chordae tendineae, and papillary muscles ensures the proper flow of blood during the cardiac cycle.