Question

1. There are two shunts, known as the foramen ovale and the ductus arteriosus, in the developing heart. Indicate the precise location of each shunt within the heart; also, state why these shunts are important for blood flow during fetal development.

2. There are two processes, vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, that can create new blood vessels. Indicate which one occurs during fetal development and which one occurs in an adult; also, state why it may be important to form new blood vessels in an adult

Answer 1

1. Foramen ovale is a hole in the septum which separates left and right atria ( upper chambers) present till the birth which get disappear shortly.It is used to shunt the oxygenated blood from right to left atria. In other words, it's main function is to bypass the non function in lunga of the fiets.

Ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel present in the fetus which connects the main pulmonary artery and descending aorta. The ductus arteriosus moves the blood from pulmonary artery to the aorta. It allows the blood from ventricle to bypass the non functioning lungs of the fetus.

2. Vaculogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation during fetal development. Whereas angiogenesis is process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones in the adult.

Angiogenesis is a very important process . It is the growth of new capillary blood vessels in our body. It is important in the process of healing , reproduction , growth and development. It also helps in formation of granulation tissue.