Mechanism
During atrial systole, blood flows from the atria to 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 tricuspid valve and mitral valve 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.
Read more about this topic: Chordae Tendineae
Famous quotes containing the word mechanism:
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—Sarah Patton Boyle, U.S. civil rights activist and author. The Desegregated Heart, part 3, ch. 2 (1962)