DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS Meaning and
Definition
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The ductus arteriosus is a small, vital blood vessel in the developing fetus that connects the pulmonary artery (which carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs) to the aorta (the main artery that carries oxygenated blood to the body). It is a temporary structure that allows blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs and be distributed to the body, as the placenta provides oxygen to the growing fetus.
During fetal development, the ductus arteriosus is open, enabling blood to flow directly from the right side of the heart into the aorta, thereby bypassing the lungs. This shunting of blood is crucial for the fetus's survival, as the lungs are not yet functioning for respiration. However, shortly after birth, with the introduction of air into the lungs and the commencement of pulmonary circulation, the ductus arteriosus naturally constricts and closes due to changes in blood flow and increased oxygen levels.
In some cases, the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, resulting in a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA allows blood to continue flowing from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, causing a mixture of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to circulate. This can lead to complications, such as increased workload on the heart, respiratory problems, or infections, and may require medical intervention, such as surgical ligation or medication, to close the ductus arteriosus artificially.
Common Misspellings for DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS
- suctus arteriosus
- xuctus arteriosus
- cuctus arteriosus
- fuctus arteriosus
- ructus arteriosus
- euctus arteriosus
- dyctus arteriosus
- dhctus arteriosus
- djctus arteriosus
- dictus arteriosus
- d8ctus arteriosus
- d7ctus arteriosus
- duxtus arteriosus
- duvtus arteriosus
- duftus arteriosus
- dudtus arteriosus
- ducrus arteriosus
- ducfus arteriosus
- ducgus arteriosus
Etymology of DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS
The word "Ductus Arteriosus" has its origins in Latin. Here is the breakdown:
1. Ductus: Derived from the Latin verb "ducere", which means "to lead" or "to carry". In this context, it refers to a passage or conduit.
2. Arteriosus: Derived from the Latin word "arteria", meaning "artery". The suffix "-osus" signifies "full of" or "abounding in". Therefore, "arteriosus" describes something related to or connected with arteries.
Together, "Ductus Arteriosus" can be translated as "duct or passage of the artery". In biology, specifically human anatomy, the Ductus Arteriosus is a fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery with the aorta, allowing blood to bypass the lungs before birth.
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