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The Newborn
The initial inflation of the lungs causes important changes in the circulatory system.
Inflation of the lungs reduces the resistance to blood flow through the lungs resulting in
increases blood flow from the pulmonary arteries.
o Consequently, an increased amount of blood flows from the right atrium to the
right ventricle and into the pulmonary arteries and less blood flows through the
foramen ovale to the left atrium.
In addition, an increased volume of blood returns from the lungs through the pulmonary
veins to the left atrium, which increases the pressure in the left atrium.
o The increased left atrial pressure and decreased right atrial pressure (due to
pulmonary resistance) forces blood against the septum primum causing the
foramen ovale to close.
o This action functionally completes the separation of the heart into two pumps--
right and left sides of the heart.
The closed foramen ovale becomes the fossa ovalis.
o The ductus arteriosis, which connects the pulmonary trunk to the systemic
circulation, closes off within 1-2 days after birth.
Once closed, the ductus arteriosus is replaced by connective tissue and is
known as the ligamentum arteriosum.