Foramen Ovale (heart) - Closure

Closure

Normally this opening closes at birth. When the lungs become functional at birth, the pulmonary pressure decreases and the left atrial pressure exceeds that of the right. This forces the septum primum against the septum secundum, functionally closing the foramen ovale. In time the septa eventually fuse, leaving a remnant of the foramen ovale, the fossa ovalis.

Read more about this topic:  Foramen Ovale (heart)