Abstract Papillary muscles are the part of the myocardium and plays an important role in valve function by drawing atrioventricular valve annulus towards apex thus preventing ventricular overextension. The aim of the present study is to find out the variations in the number of papillary muscles of right ventricle and its statistical difference between males and females. The material for the present study comprised of 50 formalin fixed adult human hearts (35 males and 15 females) without macroscopic pathological changes, obtained from different medical colleges in Maharashtra. The number of the papillary muscles varies from two to six. Anterior and posterior papillary muscles were constantly present in all hearts but septal papillary muscle was absent in 24% samples. No statistical significance was observed between males and females. The left atrioventricular valve had been largely studied. The number of papillary muscles of right ventricle varies considerably. Damage to papillary muscles may occur after trauma and further even lead to death. Knowledge regarding variability of papillary muscles will help cardiac surgeons during their corrective procedures.