Which two great arteries bound the ductus arteriosus?

Which two great arteries bound the ductus arteriosus?

• A. Between the left pulmonary artery and the aorta
• B. Anterior to the trachea
• C. Posterior to the esophagus
• D. Between the right pulmonary artery and the superior vena cava

Answer: (A)

The ductus arteriosus forms a direct connection between the aorta and the left pulmonary artery. In fetal life this shunt allows blood to bypass the nonfunctional lungs, sending oxygenated blood from the pulmonary trunk into the aorta. After birth it closes and becomes the ligamentum arteriosum. Therefore, the two great arteries bound by the ductus arteriosus are the aorta and the left pulmonary artery.

The ductus arteriosus forms a direct connection between the aorta and the left pulmonary artery. In fetal life this shunt allows blood to bypass the nonfunctional lungs, sending oxygenated blood from the pulmonary trunk into the aorta. After birth it closes and becomes the ligamentum arteriosum. Therefore, the two great arteries bound by the ductus arteriosus are the aorta and the left pulmonary artery.