Chordae tendinae is found in?

DHS 2018 shift 1st

Applied Anatomy

Easy

Appeared in: DHS 2018 shift 1st

Explanation

Chordae tendineae, or 'heart strings', are fibrous cords located within the ventricles of the heart.
They connect the leaflets of the atrioventricular valves (tricuspid and mitral) to the papillary muscles.
This connection is essential to prevent the valves from prolapsing (turning inside out) into the atria when the ventricles contract.
By holding the valve leaflets in place, they ensure one-way blood flow from the atria to the ventricles.

Option A: Auricles are muscular pouches of the atria. They contain pectinate muscles, which are different in structure and function from chordae tendineae.
Option C: The ventricles of the brain are part of the central nervous system. They produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and are anatomically and functionally unrelated to the heart.
Option D: The sinus venosus is a structure prominent in the embryonic heart that receives venous blood. In the adult human heart, it is incorporated into the wall of the right atrium and is not where chordae tendineae are found.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the heart chambers and valves as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Rupture of the chordae tendineae is a serious medical emergency. It can occur due to myocardial infarction (heart attack), which can damage the papillary muscles, or from infective endocarditis.
A ruptured chorda causes the attached valve leaflet to become flail, leading to acute, severe valvular regurgitation (backflow of blood). This can rapidly progress to heart failure and cardiogenic shock.
Nurses must be able to recognize the signs of acute valvular regurgitation, such as a new, loud heart murmur, sudden shortness of breath, and hypotension, and escalate care immediately.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Chordae tendinae'.
This is a factual recall question about anatomy. Access your knowledge of the heart's structure.
Mentally visualize or sketch the four chambers of the heart and the path of blood flow.
Recall the structures within each chamber. The atria receive blood and have smoother walls (with pectinate muscles in the auricles). The ventricles pump blood out and have a more complex internal structure.
Remember that the valves between the atria and ventricles (AV valves) need to be anchored to prevent them from flipping backward during high-pressure ventricular contraction. The 'strings' that do this are the chordae tendineae.
Evaluate the options: 'Auricles' are part of the atria. 'Ventricles of brain' is a different organ system. 'Sinus venous' is an embryonic structure. This leaves 'Ventricles of heart' as the only logical location.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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