Question

Foramen ovale/fossa ovalis is present in

• A. Partition between inner and middle ear
• B. Inter-auricular septum
• C. Inter-ventricular septum
• D. Aortic and pulmonary arches

Answer 1

The correct option is B Inter-auricular septum

Before birth, a baby's blood does not need to go through the lungs to pick up oxygen because the baby gets oxygen-rich blood from the mother. Foramen ovale / fossa ovalis is present in the inter-auricular septum. It is an opening in the inter-auricular septum in the fetus which allows blood from to enter the left atrium from the right atrium. It is essential for proper fetal circulation, directing oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta. At birth when the lungs become functional this opening i.e foramen ovale is closed. The closed foramen ovale is called fossa ovalis.

So, the correct answer is 'Inter-auricular septum'.