The foramen ovale of the foetal and neonatal foal

Hearts from 24 foals were studied; 10 were from foetuses ranging in gestational age from 230 to 322 days and 14 were from newborn and young foals aged between birth and 17 days. The foramen ovale and associated vena caval and atrial structures were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Additional observations were made by light and transmission electron microscopy. A tube-like flap of tissue was observed, extending from the aperture in the caudal vena cava to the lumen of the left atrium. In the younger foetuses, the distal end of this tube was covered with a thread-like network of tissue. In animals nearer to term, the network was replaced by distal fenestrations. Protrusions were seen on the rim of the opening of the tube as it entered the atrium. The role that these may play, together with the significance of cardiac muscle and non-elastic connective tissue in the wall of the tube, were discussed with respect to possible mechanisms of closure of the foramen ovale.