Definitions for "Foramen ovale"
opening in the fetal heart in the septum between the right and left atria; hole in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone that transmits the mandibular branch of the trigeminal (V) nerve
An oval hole in the septum of the foetal heart between the right and left atrium, which normally closes shortly afterbirth. A to B | C to D | E to K | L to P | Q to Z
A natural opening in the septum between the two atria that allows blood to bypass the lungs in the fetal circulation. Failure of the foramen ovale to close leads to a defect in the septum known as a patent foramen ovale or PFO.