BIOLOGY C405 Task 1 Dissection Paper CH

Compare the structure of the atrioventricular valves to the structure of the semilunar valves. The structure of the atrioventricular valves (tricuspid and mitral) differ from the structure of the semilunar valves in that they are large valves that look like leaflets. They are connected by chordae tendinae to papillary muscles. Constant pressure from the ventricles prevents the leaflets from going backward. Semilunar valves are smaller and are able to prevent going backward and are absent of chordae tendinae or papillary muscles. Describe the appearance of the papillary muscles. Papillary muscle appearance is similar to the cardiac muscle except it has string-like appendages (chordae tendinae) pulling the papillary muscles from the interior wall of the heart which attach to the tricuspid or mitral valves.