After birth, the ductus arteriosis closes and the baby begins to breathe in air, the blood flows through the lungs then returns back to the heart.
What is the function of ductus arteriosis in unborn animals?
The ductus arteriosis is a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in unborn animals. It allows oxygenated blood to bypass the lungs and go directly to the body. This is important because the lungs are not fully developed before birth, and cannot provide enough oxygen for the body by themselves.