Fetal circulation differs from the circulatory path of the newborn infant. In utero the fetus has a hole connecting the right and left atria of the heart. This allows oxygenated blood to quickly pass to the major organs of the body. What is this hole called?
Health · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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The hole connecting the right and left atria of the fetal heart is called the "foramen ovale." The foramen ovale is a normal opening between the atria that allows oxygenated blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs and flow directly from the right atrium to the left atrium. This shunts the blood away from the pulmonary circulation, as the lungs are not actively involved in gas exchange until the newborn starts breathing.
After birth, the foramen ovale is expected to close functionally within a short period. If it fails to close, it may require medical attention.