Nodule Of Arantius: Fetal Heart Valve And Congenital Heart Defects Explained
The nodule of Arantius is a small, fibrous structure located in the right atrium of the heart during fetal development. It functions as a valve, directing blood from the inferior vena cava through the foramen ovale into the left atrium, bypassing the pulmonary circulation. After birth, the nodule usually regresses, but its presence or absence can indicate congenital heart defects.