Question

The remnant of foramen ovale (fossa ovalis) is located at:
a. Interatrial septum
b. Interventricular septum
c. Between pulmonary and aortic arches
d. Superior vena cava

Answer 1

Hint: We can say that a hole in the heart that did not close in the way it should after birth is called a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In the duration of the process of the development of the fetal, a small opening which is like a flap in structure is called the foramen ovale (pronounced as foh-RAY-mun oh-VAY-lee). In general, one can say that it is present in the wall in the middle of the right and left upper chambers of the heart (atria).

Complete answer:
In general, a depression in the interatrial septum, in the middle of the right and the left atrium is called the fossa ovalis. We can say that in the duration of development of the fetal, it is a remnant of a thin fibrous sheet, and it is covered by the foramen ovale.

We know that the blood is passed right auricle to the right ventricle through the foramen ovale from bypassing the fetal lungs which are no- functional in the duration of the development of the fetal.

However, after the birth takes place, the air gets made to get into the lungs which helps in decreasing the pressure in the pulmonary circulatory system. This is the pressure that closes the foramen and leaves a depression called fossa ovalis.

The Interventricular septum is the stout wall that separates the ventricles, the lower cavities of the heart, from each other. The superior vena cava is molded by the left and right brachiocephalic or innominate veins present near the heart. The area between pulmonary and aortic arches contains the brachiocephalic artery, left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery. They provide blood to the left body parts of the body. Thus, they have no connection with foramen ovale. Hence the remnant of foramen ovale (fossa ovalis) is not located at these places.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Now we know how this part gets closed. However, it also has a role since it is created. One can say that an aperture in the muscular tissue between the left and right atrium is known to be the foramen ovale. It allows the blood to cross the atria and evade pulmonary circulation in the course of fetal development.