a blood vessel in a fetus that bypasses pulmonary circulation by connecting the pulmonary artery directly to the ascending aorta; normally closes at birth
Main Entry: ductus ar·te·ri·o·sus Pronunciation: -är-"tir-E-'O-s&s Function: noun : a short broad vessel in the fetusthat connects the pulmonary artery with the aorta and conducts most of the blood directly from the right ventricle to the aorta bypassing the lungs
