Which of the Following Structures is the Opening That Connects

Question

Which of the following structures is the opening that connects the atria in the fetal heart?
A) trabeculae carneae
B) conus arteriosus
C) foramen ovale
D) aortic vestibule

Accepted Answer

The foramen ovale is a small opening between the right and left atria in the fetal heart. It allows oxygenated blood to bypass the non-functioning lungs and flow directly from the right atrium to the left atrium. After birth, the increased oxygen levels cause the foramen ovale to close and become the fossa ovalis. Trabeculae carneae are the muscular ridges inside the ventricles of the heart. The conus arteriosus is the part of the right ventricle that leads into the pulmonary trunk. The aortic vestibule is the space above the aortic valve.