Definitions for "Ductus arteriosus"
a blood vessel in the fetus that links the pulmonary artery with the aorta that closes at birth.
An arterial duct or vessel in the fetal heart that connects the left pulmonary artery to the descending aorta. The ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the lungs in the fetal circulation and normally closes shortly after birth. If it does not close, the condition is termed patent ductus arteriosus.
A vascular connection between the pulmonary trunk and the aorta that functions throughout fetal life; normally closes at birth or shortly thereafter and persists as the ligamentum arteriosum.