Ductus arteriosus
June 3, 2026
by
TCAR Education Programs, Stephen Von Weller
A short broad fetal vessel connecting the pulmonary artery with the aorta. Prenatally, it diverts most of the blood directly from the right ventricle to the aorta, bypassing the lungs. The ductus arteriosus normally closes shortly after birth and becomes a ligament. In the event of sudden deceleration, this fixed point is prone to tearing. PRONUNCIATION: DUC-tus ar-TER-i-o-sis.