Question

What is the foramen ovale?

Answer 1

This is a structure present in our heart that connects the two atria of our heart through a hole that is nearly oval in shape. It is present in our heart in the embryonic stage after birth; this hole gets filled up separating the two atria and thus mixing of the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood is prevented.

Complete answer:
The foramen ovale is a small hole located in the atrial septum, which is the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart that is known as atria.
During the embryonic stage the foetus does not use its lungs to get blood rich in oxygen. Instead, this blood comes from the mother’s placenta which is already oxygenated blood only and is delivered through the umbilical cord. The foramen ovale makes it possible for the blood to go from the veins to the right side of the fetus’ heart, and then directly to the left side of the heart as there is no need to oxygenate the blood.

The foramen ovale normally closes as blood pressure increases in the left side of the heart after birth. Once it is closed, the blood flows to the lungs to get oxygen before it arrives on the left side of the heart and gets pumped to the rest of the body.

Note:
If this hole is not filled up after birth it leads to a diseased condition known as atrial septal defect or ASD. If this defect remains undiagnosed until adulthood it leads to severe damage to the heart and lungs. They shorten the lifespan and may cause early death.