The closure of the foramen ovale after birth is primarily due to the constriction of which vessel?

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Multiple Choice

The closure of the foramen ovale after birth is primarily due to the constriction of which vessel?

Explanation:
After birth, the lungs expand and pulmonary vascular resistance falls, increasing blood flow to the left heart. This raises left atrial pressure relative to right atrial pressure, causing the flap of the foramen ovale to press against the opposite septum and functionally close the opening between the atria. Over time the two septa fuse, forming the fossa ovalis. The ductus venosus does close after birth when the cord is clamped, but this change is part of the overall neonatal circulation adaptation and not the primary driver of the foramen ovale’s closure.

After birth, the lungs expand and pulmonary vascular resistance falls, increasing blood flow to the left heart. This raises left atrial pressure relative to right atrial pressure, causing the flap of the foramen ovale to press against the opposite septum and functionally close the opening between the atria. Over time the two septa fuse, forming the fossa ovalis. The ductus venosus does close after birth when the cord is clamped, but this change is part of the overall neonatal circulation adaptation and not the primary driver of the foramen ovale’s closure.

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