papillary muscle (left ventricle, anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The papillary muscles of the left ventricle are very variable in their morphology. Usually, there are two main muscles:

  • anterior:
    • larger of the two
    • originate from sternocostal surface of left ventricular myocardium
  • posterior: originates from inferior wall of ventricle

The chordae tendineae of any one papillary muscle diverge to insert into regions of both valve leaflets.