One of the most common congenital defects of the cardiovascular system is called
ID: 178755 • Letter: O
Question
One of the most common congenital defects of the cardiovascular system is called “transposition of the great arteries.” In infants who have this defect, the pulmonary artery exits from the heart where the aorta should and the aorta exits where the pulmonary artery should. All other circulatory connections are normal. There are usually other defects present, such as holes between the atria or ventricles, which allow blood from each side of the heart to intermix. Describe how this defect would alter the route of blood flow through the circulatory system and predict the consequences to the infant's circulation. Be specific and explain your reasoning.
Explanation / Answer
Route of blood flow:
1. Oxygen poor blood enters right atrium from body - right atrium - right ventricle - wrongly connected Aorta - body.
2. Oxygen rich blood - left atrium - left ventricle - pulmonary artery - lungs.
Consequences:
1. Merging of blood
2. Mixing of the pure and impure blood.
4. Circulation of oxygen free blood in the body
5. Body will have a blue tint thus disease is called cyanosis.
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