Foramen secundum: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:33, 15 February 2025

Foramen Secundum[edit]

Diagram showing the foramen ovale in the fetal heart.

The foramen secundum is an important structure in the developing heart of a fetus. It is part of the interatrial septum, which separates the right atrium from the left atrium. The foramen secundum plays a crucial role in fetal circulation, allowing blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs.

Development[edit]

During fetal development, the septum primum forms first, creating a partial partition between the right and left atria. As the septum primum grows, it leaves a temporary opening called the ostium primum. As the septum primum continues to develop, the ostium primum closes, and a new opening, the foramen secundum, forms in the upper part of the septum primum.

The foramen secundum ensures that blood can continue to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs, which are not yet in use. This is essential for proper fetal circulation, as the placenta is responsible for oxygenating the blood.

Closure[edit]

After birth, the foramen secundum, along with the foramen ovale, typically closes as the newborn begins to breathe air and the lungs become functional. The increased pressure in the left atrium causes the septum primum to press against the septum secundum, effectively sealing the foramen ovale and secundum. This closure forms the fossa ovalis in the adult heart.

Clinical Significance[edit]

In some cases, the foramen secundum may not close properly, leading to a condition known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). A PFO can allow blood to flow between the atria, which may lead to complications such as stroke or migraines in some individuals.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Foramen Secundum''' is an opening in the [[atrial septum]] of the [[heart]] during the fetal stage. It is one of the two foramina, the other being the [[foramen ovale]], that allow blood to bypass the [[lungs]] in the fetal circulation system. The foramen secundum is formed by the degradation of the septum primum, a thin wall separating the two atria of the heart.
+== Foramen Secundum ==
-==Development==
+[[File:Foramen_ovale.png|thumb|right|Diagram showing the foramen ovale in the fetal heart.]]
-The foramen secundum begins to form in the fourth week of [[embryonic development]]. It is created by the apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of cells in the septum primum. This process creates a hole in the septum primum, which becomes the foramen secundum.
-==Function==
+The '''foramen secundum''' is an important structure in the developing [[heart]] of a [[fetus]]. It is part of the [[interatrial septum]], which separates the [[right atrium]] from the [[left atrium]]. The foramen secundum plays a crucial role in fetal circulation, allowing blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal [[lungs]].
-The foramen secundum, along with the foramen ovale, plays a crucial role in the [[fetal circulation]]. In the fetus, the lungs are not yet functional, and the foramen secundum allows blood to bypass the lungs and go directly to the body. This is essential for the survival of the fetus, as it allows oxygenated blood from the mother to reach the fetus's tissues.
-==Closure==
+=== Development ===
-After birth, the foramen secundum closes as part of the changes that occur in the circulatory system to allow the lungs to take over the role of oxygenating the blood. The closure of the foramen secundum is usually complete by the first year of life.
-==Clinical Significance==
+During fetal development, the [[septum primum]] forms first, creating a partial partition between the right and left atria. As the septum primum grows, it leaves a temporary opening called the [[ostium primum]]. As the septum primum continues to develop, the ostium primum closes, and a new opening, the foramen secundum, forms in the upper part of the septum primum.
-If the foramen secundum does not close properly after birth, it can lead to a condition known as [[atrial septal defect]]. This can cause problems such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other serious health issues.
+The foramen secundum ensures that blood can continue to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs, which are not yet in use. This is essential for proper fetal circulation, as the [[placenta]] is responsible for oxygenating the blood.
+=== Closure ===
+After birth, the foramen secundum, along with the [[foramen ovale]], typically closes as the newborn begins to breathe air and the lungs become functional. The increased pressure in the left atrium causes the septum primum to press against the [[septum secundum]], effectively sealing the foramen ovale and secundum. This closure forms the [[fossa ovalis]] in the adult heart.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+In some cases, the foramen secundum may not close properly, leading to a condition known as a [[patent foramen ovale]] (PFO). A PFO can allow blood to flow between the atria, which may lead to complications such as [[stroke]] or [[migraine]]s in some individuals.
+== Related Pages ==
-==See Also==
-* [[Heart]]
-* [[Atrial septum]]
 * [[Foramen ovale]]
+* [[Interatrial septum]]
 * [[Fetal circulation]]
-* [[Atrial septal defect]]
+* [[Patent foramen ovale]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
+[[Category:Cardiovascular system]]
-[[Category:Cardiology]]
 [[Category:Embryology]]
-{{stub}}