Ductus arteriosus
Ductus arteriosus
Ductus arteriosus (/dʌktəs ɑːrtɪəriˈoʊsəs/), also known as the arterial duct, is a vital part of the fetal circulation system in mammals, including humans. The term originates from the Latin words "ductus" (meaning "leading") and "arteriosus" (meaning "arterial").
Function
The ductus arteriosus is a small vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the proximal descending aorta in the fetus. This allows most of the blood from the right ventricle to bypass the fetus' fluid-filled non-functioning lungs. Upon closure at birth, it becomes the ligamentum arteriosum.
Clinical significance
In some cases, the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, a condition known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This can lead to significant health problems, including heart failure and poor growth. Treatment options for PDA include medication, catheter procedures, and surgery.
Related terms
- Patent ductus arteriosus: A condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth.
- Ligamentum arteriosum: The remnant of the ductus arteriosus that can be found in the adult heart.
- Pulmonary artery: The artery carrying blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.
- Aorta: The main and largest artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and extending down to the abdomen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ductus arteriosus
- Wikipedia's article - Ductus arteriosus
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