What do the Chordae Tendineae do in the heart?

The Chordae Tendineae play a crucial role in the function of the heart by holding the heart valves in place. Specifically, these fibrous cords connect the papillary muscles to the atrioventricular (AV) valves, which include the mitral and tricuspid valves. By anchoring the valves to the walls of the heart, the Chordae Tendineae prevent the valves from flipping back into the atria when the ventricles contract, ensuring that blood flows correctly through the heart's chambers and into the vessels without backflow. Their structural integrity is vital for maintaining proper hemodynamics within the heart.