Foramen ovale
Foramen Ovale
Foramen ovale (pronunciation: fuh-RAY-men oh-VAH-lee) is a term used in anatomy to describe a hole or opening in the heart that exists during fetal development. The term is derived from the Latin words "foramen" meaning hole, and "ovale" meaning oval.
Anatomy
The foramen ovale is a small hole located in the septum, which is the wall between the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. This hole allows blood to bypass the lungs and go directly to the body. After birth, this hole usually closes as the pressure in the right side of the heart drops and the pressure on the left side increases.
Physiology
During fetal development, the foramen ovale allows oxygen-rich blood from the mother to bypass the lungs, which aren't yet functioning, and go directly to the body. After birth, when the baby begins to breathe, the pressure changes cause the foramen ovale to close. If it doesn't close, it's known as a patent foramen ovale.
Related Terms
- Atria: The two upper chambers of the heart.
- Septum: The wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart.
- Patent foramen ovale: A condition where the foramen ovale fails to close after birth.
Etymology
The term "foramen ovale" is derived from the Latin "foramen" meaning hole, and "ovale" meaning oval. This is in reference to the oval-shaped hole in the septum of the heart during fetal development.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Foramen ovale
- Wikipedia's article - Foramen ovale
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