Foramen ovale (heart)

Foramen ovale (heart)

The Foramen ovale is a small opening located in the septum between the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart during the development of the fetus. This opening allows blood to bypass the lungs and flow directly from the right atrium to the left atrium during fetal development.

File:Foramen ovale (heart).jpg

Illustration of the Foramen ovale in the heart

Function

The primary function of the foramen ovale during fetal development is to facilitate oxygenated blood flow from the placenta to the rest of the fetus's body. Since the lungs are not yet functional in the fetus, the foramen ovale allows blood to bypass the lungs and go directly to the body's tissues.

Closure

After birth, when the baby begins to breathe air, the foramen ovale typically closes within the first few days to a year of life. This closure is due to the increased blood pressure in the left atrium compared to the right atrium. The closure of the foramen ovale results in the separation of the systemic and pulmonary circulations, which is necessary for the function of the lungs and the oxygenation of the blood.

Clinical significance

In some cases, the foramen ovale does not close completely after birth, a condition known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). This can potentially allow blood clots to pass from the right side of the heart to the left, leading to a stroke. PFO is often discovered during tests for other conditions, as it does not usually cause noticeable symptoms.

See also

• Heart
• Atrial septal defect
• Patent foramen ovale

References

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