The word "aortic foramen" is spelled as [eɪˈɔːtɪk fɒˈreɪmən]. The first syllable "aortic" is pronounced as "ay-or-tik". The "a" is pronounced as "ay", the "or" as "or", and "tic" as "tik". The second syllable "foramen" is pronounced as "foh-rey-muh n". The "fo" is pronounced as "foh", the "ra" as "rey", the "men" as "muh n". The word refers to a small opening in the aorta, a major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
The aortic foramen is a term commonly used in anatomy to describe an opening or passage which allows for the connection between certain structures within the circulatory system. Specifically, it refers to a natural opening located at the base of the heart, near the left atrium.
One of the primary functions of the aortic foramen is to facilitate the communication between the right and left atria during fetal development. In the developing fetus, blood circulation is different from that of a fully formed human, and the aortic foramen plays a crucial role in allowing oxygenated blood to bypass the lungs and flow directly to the body. This is necessary as the lungs are not functional prior to birth.
Upon birth, the aortic foramen typically closes within a few weeks, as the lungs take over their respiration role. This closure is an essential step in the transition from the fetal to the postnatal circulation pattern.
In rare cases, the aortic foramen might not close completely, leading to a condition known as patent foramen ovale (PFO). This condition allows blood to leak between the left and right atria, potentially causing health issues. PFO can sometimes lead to paradoxical embolism, where a blood clot formed in the venous system is transferred to the arterial system, ultimately reaching the brain and causing a stroke.
In conclusion, the aortic foramen is a natural opening at the base of the heart that serves a vital role in fetal circulation. However, its closure is necessary for proper postnatal circulatory function.
Hiatus aorticus, the posterior opening in the diaphragm through which the aorta passes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "aortic" is derived from the Greek word "aortē" (αορτή), which means "large artery". The term "foramen" comes from the Latin word "foramen", which means "an opening or hole". In the context of anatomy, "foramen" refers to a natural opening in a bone or other anatomical structure. Therefore, "aortic foramen" refers to the opening or hole through which the large artery known as the aorta passes.