Definition for Ductus arteriosus
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Revision as of 14:18, 14 April 2012 by Duddy (Talk | contribs) (Created page with "In the developing fetus, the ductus arteriosus (DA), also called the '''ductus Botalli''', is a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aortic arch. It allows most of...")
In the developing fetus, the ductus arteriosus (DA), also called the ductus Botalli, is a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aortic arch. It allows most of the blood from the right ventricle to bypass the fetus's fluid-filled non-functioning lungs. Upon closure at birth, it becomes the ligamentum arteriosum. There are two other fetal shunts, the ductus venosus and the foramen ovale.
