A free opening will then appear, called the foramen ovale.

Once born (usually within 9 months' time) the foramen ovale seals over.

The foramen ovale forms in the late fourth week of gestation.

In approximately 25% of adults, the foramen ovale does not entirely seal.

Several nerves, arteries and veins pass through the foramen ovale.

A small opening between the two atria (foramen ovale) is present at birth.

In most individuals, the foramen ovale closes at birth.

A patent foramen ovale is typically not treated and does not cause problems.

A patent foramen ovale, which is a congenital heart defect.

There is a shunt between the wall of the right and left atrium called the foramen ovale.

Similar to other foramina, the foramen ovale differs in shape and size throughout the natural life.

The foramen ovale (literally oval hole) is present in all fetuses.

In normal development, the closed foramen ovale fuses with the interatrial wall.

The foramen ovale usually shuts by age one.

Sometimes, this opening remains open (patent) and is called a patent foramen ovale.

If the closure is incomplete, the result is a patent foramen ovale.

This flap of tissue is called the valve of the foramen ovale.

Aneurysms can occur in adulthood if the foramen ovale does not closed correctly.

As the septum secundum grows, it leaves a small opening called the foramen ovale.

Permanent anatomical closure of the foramen ovale occurs with time in normal infants.

But if a clot slips through a foramen ovale, it will bypass the lungs and may end up in the brain.

The foramen ovale is an opening in the part of the heart that separates the upper right and left chambers (atria).

There also appears to be a causal link between the presence of a patent foramen ovale and migraines.

An unfused fossa ovalis is called a patent foramen ovale.

Even if the foramen ovale does seal shut, an aneurysm may occur, usually on the side of the right atrium.