Septum secundum
Septum secundum
Septum secundum (pronunciation: sep-tum se-cun-dum) is a structure in the embryonic heart that plays a crucial role in the formation of the interatrial septum.
Etymology
The term "septum secundum" is derived from Latin, where "septum" means "wall" or "partition", and "secundum" means "second". Thus, it refers to the "second wall" that forms in the embryonic heart.
Formation
The septum secundum forms during the fifth week of embryonic development. It grows downward from the roof of the atrium, to the right of the septum primum. The septum secundum does not completely close off the atrial chamber, leaving an opening known as the foramen ovale.
Function
The septum secundum, along with the septum primum, forms the interatrial septum, which separates the left and right atria of the heart. The foramen ovale in the septum secundum allows blood to bypass the lungs in the fetus, as the lungs are not yet functional. After birth, the foramen ovale closes to establish the typical circulatory pattern.
Related Terms
- Septum primum: The first septum that forms in the embryonic heart.
- Foramen ovale: The opening in the septum secundum that allows blood to bypass the lungs in the fetus.
- Interatrial septum: The wall that separates the left and right atria of the heart.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Septum secundum
- Wikipedia's article - Septum secundum
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