What is the function of the foramen ovale?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The foramen ovale is a small opening in the wall between the right and left atria of the fetal heart. Its function is to shunt blood from the fetal right atrium to the left atrium, thereby bypassing the fetal lungs, which are not yet functional. This allows oxygenated blood from the maternal circulation to be delivered to the developing fetal organs. The foramen ovale usually closes shortly after birth, as the lungs expand and the pulmonary circulation becomes fully functional.

What Is the Function of the Foramen Ovale