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valvula foraminis ovalis --> valve of foramen ovale

A fold projecting into the left atrium from the margin of the foramen ovale in the foetus; when, with beginning inspiration, the blood pressure within the left atrium increases, the valve closes and its edges become adherent to the margin of the foramen ovale, occluding it.

Synonym: valvula foraminis ovalis, falx septi, valve of oval foramen.