After birth, the infant's pulmonary circulation is increased because the foramen ovale ____ and the ductus arteriosus ____.
A)is closed/constricts
B)is opened/constricts
C)is closed/dilates
D)is opened/dilates

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The foramen ovale, a hole between the two atria in the fetal heart, closes shortly after birth. This closure causes a redirection of blood flow from the right atrium to the left atrium, resulting in an increase in pulmonary circulation. The ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in the fetus, constricts after birth, reducing the volume of blood that flows to the lungs and further increasing pulmonary circulation. Therefore, the correct choice is A)is closed/constricts.

After Birth, the Infant's Pulmonary Circulation Is Increased Because the Foramen