Question

Unlike the interatrial septum, the ________________ is normally intact after its formation during fetal development. It is substantially thicker than the interatrial septum since the __________ generate far greater pressure when they contract.

Answer 1

The interventricular septum, unlike the interatrial septum, is intact after formation in fetal development and is thicker due to the high pressure generated by ventricles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Unlike the interatrial septum, the interventricular septum is normally intact after its formation during fetal development. The interventricular septum is substantially thicker than the interatrial septum because the ventricles generate far greater pressure when they contract.

In fetal development, the interatrial septum features an opening called the foramen ovale, which allows blood to bypass the pulmonary circuit by moving directly from the right atrium to the left atrium. After birth, this opening is closed by a flap of tissue, and the fossa ovalis remains as a remnant.

In contrast, the interventricular septum does not have such an opening and is a robust structure required to manage the high pressures produced during the contraction of the ventricles.