Final answer:
In the fetus, pressure on the right side of the heart is greater to facilitate the flow of blood from the right atrium to the left atrium through the foramen ovale
Step-by-step explanation:
In the fetus, pressure is greater on the right side of the heart in order to shunt blood from the right atrium through the foramen ovale over into the left atrium. The foramen ovale is an opening in the interatrial septum that allows blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium. This opening is associated with a valve that prevents backflow of blood during the fetal period.