Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1318 of 2368
What causes the foramen ovale to close after birth?
- Pressure in the lungs rises when the cord is clamped
- Smooth muscle in the vessel wall constricts and seals it
- Blood no longer flows through the umbilical vein
- Pressure in the atria rises when the newborn takes the first breaths
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Correct answer: Pressure in the atria rises when the newborn takes the first breaths
Lung expansion raises atrial pressure, which pushes the valve closed. The fossa ovalis remains as a depression.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Congenital Heart Defects: Transition to Neonatal Circulation. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026