The foramen ovale functions to:

A) permit blood to bypass the nonfunctional lungs in a fetus.
B) establish the basic heart rate.
C) prevent blood from flowing backward.
D) carry blood to the lungs in a fetus.
E) transport poorly oxygenated blood.

Foramen Ovale

An opening in the septum between the right and left atria of the fetal heart, which normally closes shortly after birth.

Nonfunctional Lungs

Lungs that are unable to perform the standard process of gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Fetus

A developing mammal or human during the later stages of pregnancy after the embryonic stage, showing recognizable features of the species.