Question

Which of the following organs has papillary muscles? (a) Ciliary body (b) Legs (c) Wall of heart (d) Mammary glands

Short answer

The organ that has papillary muscles is the 'Wall of heart'.

Step-by-step solution

Define the term

The term 'papillary muscles' refers to muscles which are finger-like projections in the heart. They anchor the heart valves and prevent them from inverting.

Identify the organ

Among the given options, 'ciliary body', 'legs', 'wall of heart', and 'mammary glands'; the organ associated with the term 'papillary muscles' is the 'wall of heart'.

Confirm answer

Papillary muscles are a part of the heart, specifically located in the walls of the heart ventricles. Therefore, the correct option is (c) 'Wall of heart'.

Key concepts

Heart Ventricles

The human heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body, playing a key role in the circulatory system. One of its critical features is the division into four chambers: two upper atria and two lower ventricles. The heart ventricles, comprising the left and right ventricles, are responsible for pumping oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to different parts of the body.

The left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood into the aorta and then on to the rest of the body, while the right ventricle pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs where it becomes oxygenated. These muscular chambers are built to withstand high pressures, as they must forcefully contract to push blood out of the heart. Inside the ventricles, the papillary muscles are important structures required for the function of the heart valves.

Role of Papillary Muscles

Attached to the cords known as chordae tendineae, the papillary muscles contract to prevent the inversion or prolapse of the atrioventricular valves (the mitral valve on the left and the tricuspid valve on the right) during ventricular systole, when the heart is contracting. This coordination ensures one-way blood flow and prevents backflow into the atria. Understanding the anatomy and function of the heart ventricles is essential for comprehending more complex physiological processes and pathological conditions.

Cardiac Anatomy

Studying cardiac anatomy provides insight into how the heart functions as an indispensable organ in the circulatory system. It includes understanding the external features of the heart like its size, location in the chest cavity, the protective sac (the pericardium), and the large vessels that carry blood to and from the heart.

Internally, a focus is placed on its chambered structure, the heart valves, and the conduction system which includes the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers. By exploring the histology, students can appreciate how the cardiac muscle fibers are uniquely designed to sustain continuous rhythmic contractions.

Papillary Muscles in Detail

The papillary muscles form an integral part of this anatomy, situated within the ventricles. They emerge from the walls of the ventricles and connect to the tricuspid and mitral valves via the chordae tendineae. During contraction, they maintain the tension on these cords to stabilize the valve leaflets, critical for the efficient operation of the heart's pumping action. Dissecting cardiac anatomy, especially the relationship between papillary muscles, chordae tendineae, and the valves, illustrates how each part of the heart plays a specific role in its overall function.

NEET Biology

For students preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in India, a stronghold on biology is a must. One of the critical subtopics under this is the circulatory system, which encapsulates a considerable portion of questions related to human physiology, including cardiac anatomy. NEET biology syllabus is comprehensive and requires thorough understanding of concepts and their applications.

Understanding the role of papillary muscles in the function of the heart is one such example of the depth of knowledge needed. NEET emphasizes not just on rote learning but on the ability to apply concepts to practical situations – for instance, diagnosing a cardiac condition based on an understanding of papillary muscle function. NEET aspirants need to be well-versed in the correlation between structure and function in biological systems, with cardiac anatomy serving as a prime example of this correlation.

Moreover, mastering such topics can aid students in dealing with tricky multiple-choice questions, where conceptual clarity can help eliminate incorrect options. For instance, knowing the exact location and function of the papillary muscles would immediately point to the 'wall of heart' as the correct answer in a related NEET question, as seen in the exercise provided.