Function. The papillary muscles of both the right and left ventricles begin to contract shortly before ventricular systole and maintain tension throughout.

Why do the papillary muscles contract?

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).

Do the papillary muscles contract when the ventricle relaxes or contracts?

When the ventricles relax, atrial pressure exceeds ventricular pressure, the AV valves are pushed open and Page 2 blood flows into the ventricles. ... Papillary muscles contract in synchrony with the ventricles, thus maintaining constant tension on the valve.