Ductus arteriosis definitions
| Word backwards | sutcud sisoiretra |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | duc-tus ar-te-ri-o-sis |
| Plural | The plural form of ductus arteriosis is ductus arterioses. |
| Total letters | 16 |
| Vogais (5) | u,a,e,i,o |
| Consonants (5) | d,c,t,s,r |
When a baby is born, the lungs are not yet being used for breathing. Instead, the fetus receives oxygenated blood from the placenta. One of the vital structures that allow blood to bypass the lungs in fetal circulation is known as the ductus arteriosus.
Ductus arteriosus is a small duct or passageway that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in a developing fetus. This allows most of the blood from the right ventricle to bypass the lungs, which are not yet operational, and flow directly into the systemic circulation.
Closure of Ductus Arteriosus
After birth, when the baby takes its first breath, the pressure in the pulmonary circulation decreases, and the ductus arteriosus normally begins to close. Over time, the ductus arteriosus constricts and eventually seals off, becoming a ligament known as the ligamentum arteriosum.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Sometimes, the ductus arteriosus does not close properly after birth, leading to a condition known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). In PDA, the abnormal opening allows blood to flow in both directions between the aorta and pulmonary artery, causing strain on the heart and pulmonary circulation.
Patent ductus arteriosus can lead to several complications if left untreated, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and an increased risk of endocarditis. Treatment options for PDA may include medication to help the ductus close or surgical intervention to repair the opening.
In conclusion, the ductus arteriosus plays a crucial role in fetal circulation by allowing blood to bypass the lungs before birth. Understanding the function of the ductus arteriosus and potential complications such as patent ductus arteriosus is essential for proper management and treatment of cardiovascular conditions in newborns.
Ductus arteriosis Examples
- The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel in a fetus that allows blood to bypass the lungs.
- A persistent ductus arteriosus in a newborn may require surgical intervention.
- The ductus arteriosus closes shortly after birth in most infants.
- A patent ductus arteriosus can cause circulation problems in premature infants.
- Doctors may use medication to help close a patent ductus arteriosus in some cases.
- Long-term complications can arise if the ductus arteriosus does not close properly.
- Fetal echocardiography can help detect abnormalities in the ductus arteriosus during pregnancy.
- The ductus arteriosus is part of the fetal circulation system and typically closes within a few days of birth.
- In some cases, a ductus arteriosus may need to be surgically ligated to prevent complications.
- Knowledge of the ductus arteriosus and its function is essential for healthcare providers working with newborns.