key term - Ductus arteriosus

Definition

The ductus arteriosus is a temporary blood vessel in fetal circulation that connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, allowing most of the blood to bypass the lungs which are not yet in use. After birth, it normally closes and becomes the ligamentum arteriosum within a few days.

Related terms

Fetal Circulation:

The system of blood vessels in a fetus that includes unique structures such as the ductus arteriosus, designed to sustain life before birth.

Pulmonary Artery:

The artery carrying blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation; in fetal life, much of this blood is redirected via the ductus arteriosus.

Ligamentum Arteriosum:

A small ligament that is the remnant of the ductus arteriosus after it closes postnatally, no longer serving as part of the circulatory path