Question

Ductus arteriosus connects the aorta and pulmonary arteries during fetal development and closes at birth. Patent ductus arteriousus, the congenital heart defect where ductus arteriosus fails to close, would not lead to increased -

Answer 1

A) cardiac output by the right ventricle
B) cardiac output by the left ventricle
C) pulmonary plasma [O2]
D) systemic plasma [O2]

fetal anatomy really confuses me so I would appreciate any guidance on this problem

Please do not comment unless you are making a serious attempt at the problem.

Answer 2

@Tranquility sorry if this isn't your area of expertise but would you mind taking a look at this problem when you get a chance?

Answer 3

I used to be confused from it as well.

So if the ductus arteriosus remains open after birth there would be increased blood flow in lungs & heart and since the ligamentum doesnt close the ductus arteriosus it would lead to mixing of blood and congestive heart failure.
To decide the validity for A &B, you would want to know the location of the ductus arteriosus. In PDA blood from the aorta and pulm artery mix, so I wouldn't say the left ventricle has much to do with PDA (B). I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with the concepts presented in option C and D