Chordae tendineae

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Chordae tendineae (light) connect the papillary muscle (below) with the leaflet valves

The chordae tendineae (lat., "Tendon threads") are connective tissue strands that connect the leaflet valves ( mitral valve and tricuspid valve ) of the heart with the papillary muscles . They prevent the leaflet valve from flapping back into the atrium during the heart's action ( systole ). Its main component is collagen . The exact composition of collagen changes over the course of life, which leads to a decrease in the flexibility of the tendon threads.

The tendon threads can tear as a result of a myocardial infarction , leading to a leak ( insufficiency ) of the mitral or tricuspid valve .