papillary muscle
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any of several muscles associated with the atrioventricular valves
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The papillary muscles are muscles located in the ventricles of the heart. They attach to the cusps of the atrioventricular valves (also known as the mitral and tricuspid valves) via the chordae tendineae and contract to prevent inversion or prolapse of these valves on systole (or ventricular contraction). The papillary muscles constitute about 10% of the total heart mass.
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Papillary muscles are small, finger-like projections located within the ventricles of the heart. They are responsible for controlling the movement of the mitral and tricuspid valves, which regulate blood flow between the atria and ventricles. By contracting and relaxing, these muscles prevent the valves from inverting or prolapsing, thus assisting in the proper function of the heart.
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In anatomy, the papillary muscles are muscles located in the ventricles of the heart. They attach to the cusps of the atrioventricular valves via the chordae tendinae and contract to prevent inversion or prolapse of these valves.
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