| Botallo's duct | Before birth, the blood headed from the heart (via the pulmonary artery) for the lungs is shunted away from the lungs and returned to the greatest of arteries (the aorta). The shunt is through a short vessel called the ductus arteriosus. When the shunt is open, it is said to be patent (pronounced pa'tent). The patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) usually closes at or shortly after birth and blood is permtted from that moment on to course freely to the lungs. If the ductus stays open (patent), flow reverses and blood from the aorta is shunted into the pulmonary artery and recirculated through the lungs. The PDA may close later spontaneously (on its own) or need to be ligated (tied off) surgically. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| Botallo's foramen | The orifice of communication between the two atria of the foetal heart. See: foramen ovale. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Botallo's ligament | The remains of the ductus arteriosus. Synonym: arterial ligament, Botallo's ligament. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Botallo, Leonardo | <person> Italian physician in Paris, 1530-1600(?). See: Botallo's duct, Botallo's foramen, Botallo's ligament. (05 Mar 2000) |