The ductus arteriosus after birth becomes the

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The ductus arteriosus after birth becomes the

After birth, the ductus arteriosus closes and becomes a fibrous remnant called the ligamentum arteriosum. This process starts with functional constriction of the ductus in response to higher oxygen levels and falling prostaglandin levels once the lungs take over oxygenation, typically within the first day. Over the ensuing weeks, the ductus is replaced by connective tissue, forming a thin cord that links the aorta to the proximal left pulmonary artery—the ligamentum arteriosum. This is distinct from other fetal remnants: the ductus venosus becomes the ligamentum venosum in the liver; the foramen ovale leaves behind the fossa ovalis on the interatrial septum; and the umbilical vein becomes the ligamentum teres in the liver.

After birth, the ductus arteriosus closes and becomes a fibrous remnant called the ligamentum arteriosum. This process starts with functional constriction of the ductus in response to higher oxygen levels and falling prostaglandin levels once the lungs take over oxygenation, typically within the first day. Over the ensuing weeks, the ductus is replaced by connective tissue, forming a thin cord that links the aorta to the proximal left pulmonary artery—the ligamentum arteriosum.

This is distinct from other fetal remnants: the ductus venosus becomes the ligamentum venosum in the liver; the foramen ovale leaves behind the fossa ovalis on the interatrial septum; and the umbilical vein becomes the ligamentum teres in the liver.

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