A student asks the healthcare professional to explain the function of the papillary muscles. What response by the professional is best?
A)The papillary muscles close the semilunar valves.
B)These muscles prevent backward expulsion of the atrioventricular valves.
C)They open the atrioventricular valves.
D)The papillary muscles open the semilunar valves.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The papillary muscles are extensions of the myocardium that pull the cusps of the AV valves together and downward at the onset of ventricular contraction, thus preventing their backward expulsion into the atria. They do not close the semilunar valves or open the AV valves or semilunar valves.

A Student Asks the Healthcare Professional to Explain the Function