What structure is primarily involved with heart valve function?

The structure primarily involved with heart valve function is the chordae tendineae. These are fibrous cords that connect the papillary muscles to the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid valves) in the heart. Their primary function is to prevent the inversion of these valves during ventricular contraction (systole) by holding the valve leaflets in their proper position. This mechanism ensures that blood flows in the correct direction—from the atria to the ventricles and not the reverse—thereby maintaining proper hemodynamics.

The chordae tendineae work in conjunction with the papillary muscles, which contract to provide tension on the cords, stabilizing the valves as the heart pumps. This coordination is essential for effective heart function and contributes to the overall efficiency of the cardiovascular system.

Other structures mentioned, such as the crista terminalis, interventricular septum, and pectinate muscles, play important roles in the heart's anatomy and function, but they are not primarily involved in the specific mechanism of heart valve function as the chordae tendineae are. The crista terminalis is a ridge in the right atrium that separates smooth and rough parts of the atrial wall; the interventricular septum