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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Atrial septal defect ostium secundum anatomy

Introduction

Overview

Overview

During fetal development, the septal wall may fail to fuse causing an atrial septal defect to arise. An ostium secundum atrial septal defect is one such type of malformation arising from the irregular development of the foramen ovale, septum secundum or septum primum. It is the most common type of atrial septal defect.

Anatomy

Anatomy

Interior of dorsal half of heart of human embryo of about thirty-five days. (Septum secundum visible at center top.)
Interior of dorsal half of heart of human embryo of about thirty-five days. (Septum secundum visible at center top.)
Same heart as above, opened on right side. (Septum secundum visible in dark area at center top.)
Same heart as above, opened on right side. (Septum secundum visible in dark area at center top.)

Embryogenesis

  • The septum secundum is semilunar in shape. It grows downward from the upper wall of the atrium immediately to the right of the primary septum and foramen ovale. Shortly after birth the septum secundum fuses with the primary septum and through this means the foramen ovale is closed. Sometimes the septal fusion is incomplete and the upper part of the foramen remains patent.
  • The limbus fossae ovalis denotes the free margin of the septum secundum. The ostium secundum (or foramen secundum) is a foramen in the septum primum. It should not be confused with the foramen ovale, which is a foramen in the septum secundum. It can arises from an enlarged foramen ovale, inadequate growth of the septum secundum, or excessive absorption of the septum.
References

References

Cardiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3] Kristin Feeney, B.S. [4]