Question

A foramen ovale ________.

1)is a connection between the pulmonary trunk and the aorta in the fetus
2)connects the two atria in the fetal heart
3)is a shallow depression in the interventricular septum
4)is a condition in which the heart valves do not completely close

Answer 1

The foramen ovale is a temporary opening in the fetal heart's interatrial septum, allowing blood to bypass the lungs. It normally closes after birth, but if it remains open, the condition is called a patent foramen ovale.

Step-by-step explanation:

The foramen ovale is an opening in the interatrial septum that allows blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium in the fetal heart. It is a shunt that helps to divert oxygenated blood from the fetal pulmonary circuit. The foramen ovale is part of the fetal circulation and is necessary because the lungs are not in use until after birth. When a baby takes its first breath, the pressure changes in the heart and the foramen ovale closes. If it remains open, it is known as a patent foramen ovale.