A Study of Human Right Ventricular False Tendons: Morphology and Its Clinical Significance

Priyanka Mundra; B. S. Lala

Volume : VI, Issue : IV, April - 2016

A Study of Human Right Ventricular False Tendons: Morphology and Its Clinical Significance

Priyanka Mundra, B. S. Lala

Abstract :

False tendons (FT) have been extensively appreciated on gross morphological as well as echocardiographic studies. These are cord like fiomuscular bands present in the ventricles which do not attach to the valve leaflets. They represent normal anatomic structures with possible clinical outcomes. We have described the detailed morphology of false tendons in the right ventricle of heart according to its length, thickness, location and distribution. Very few studies have so far done on morphology and outcomes of false tendons in the right ventricle. Out of 50 formalin fixed hearts, we observed the presence of false tendons in 43(86%). They were 2–10 in number in an individual specimen and run horizontally in the right ventricle. Range of length for false tendons in our study was between 5mm to 18mm. Longest were those extending between the papillary muscle and free wall of the right ventricle (mean= 16mm) while shortest were those between septomarginal trabeculae and septum (mean= 7mm). Various types of connections of false tendons and other structures of the right ventricle were observed. False tendons between papillary muscle and ventricular free wall were most common and found in basal segment of the right ventricle (32.5%). Least frequent (9.4%) were false tendons connecting the two papillary muscles or individual segment of the papillary muscles.