Question

What is the foramen ovale?

Answer 1

Foramen ovale:

1. This is a structure in our heart that joins the two atria of our heart via a roughly oval-shaped hole.
2. It is present in human hearts throughout the embryonic stage after birth
3. This hole closes, separating the two atria and preventing the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Function of foramen ovale:

1. The foramen ovale is a tiny hole in the atrial septum, which is the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart called atria.
2. During the embryonic period, the baby does not use its lungs to get oxygen-rich blood.
3. Instead, this blood is given through the umbilical cord from the mother's placenta, which contains only oxygenated blood.
4. Because there is no need to oxygenate the blood, the foramen ovale permits blood to travel from the veins to the foetal heart's right side and then immediately to the left.
5. When blood pressure on the left side of the heart rises after birth, the foramen ovale usually shuts.
6. Once the blood vessels are closed, blood travels via the lungs to receive oxygen before landing on the left side of the heart and being pumped to the rest of the body.