**2. Functional anatomy of the mitral valve**

Historically, the mitral valve is described as composed of the leaflets, chordae, and papillary muscles. However, the mitral valve structurally and functionally is part of the left ventricle and intimately associated with the atrium and fibrous skeleton of the heart. Thus, alterations to the fibrous skeleton and ventricular and atrial muscle contribute to and affect valvular function.
