Coil-like structure of the inner core of chordae tendineae

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the chordae tendineae in young (∼20 years old) and old (∼85 years old) cadavers. A network of collagen fibrils was observed in both the outer and intersurface layers of the chordae tendineae. In young subjects, a regularly arranged series of disconnected collagenous ring-like structures surrounded the longitudinal collagen bundles forming the inner core of the chordae tendineae. In old subjects, the ring-like structures of the chordae tendineae were few or absent. The ring-like structures may be related to reducing mechanical stress during the tightening, twisting, and slackening of the chordae tendineae. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.