Location:
The three right ventricular papillary muscles originate in ventricular wall, and attach to anterior, posterior and septal leaflets of the tricuspid valve via chordae tendinae. The three papillary muscles of the right ventricle have highly variable anatomy with the anterior papillary muscle usually being the most prominent. The anterior and septal papillary muscles are connected by the moderator band. The septal papillary muscle itself is normally the least prominent and can often not be distinguished from the ventricular wall.

Function:
Prevent prolapse of the tricuspid valve leaflets during ventricular systole.

Importance in cardiovascular diseases:
Tricuspid regurgitation can be the result of papillary dysfunction or chordate rupture.

Importance in device delivery:
The papillary muscles and sub-valvular apparatus of the tricuspid can complicate the implantation of pacing leads into the right ventricular apex.