chordae tendineae (of heart)

chor·'dae ten·din·'e·ae (of heart)

[TA] the tendinous strands running from the papillary muscles to the leaflets of the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid). Based on their shape, position, or specific area of attachment to the leaflets, several varieties have been described: fan-shaped chordae, rough zone chordae, free-edge chordae, deep chordae, and basal chordae. Synonym(s): chordae tendineae (cordis) [TA], tendinous cords ☆