Fetal circulation right before birth | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine・10 minutes read
Adaptations before birth allow the baby to receive nutrients and oxygen from the mother, facilitated by structures like the placenta, umbilical vein, ductus venosus, foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus, and umbilical artery, ensuring efficient blood flow in the fetus.
Insights
- Adaptations in the fetus, such as the umbilical vein, ductus venosus, foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus, and umbilical artery, play a crucial role in facilitating efficient blood flow and oxygenation before birth.
- The intricate network of connections and bypass mechanisms within the fetal circulatory system, like the ductus venosus and foramen ovale, are essential for maintaining proper oxygen levels and circulation, highlighting the complexity and sophistication of prenatal development.
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Recent questions
How does a fetus receive oxygen and nutrients?
Through the placenta, which facilitates oxygenation and nutrient transfer.
What is the function of the ductus venosus?
It connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava.
What is the purpose of the foramen ovale?
It allows blood to bypass the lungs in the fetus.
How does the ductus arteriosus contribute to fetal circulation?
It diverts blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta.
What is the significance of the umbilical artery in fetal circulation?
It returns blood to the placenta due to low resistance.
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Summary
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Fetal Adaptations Ensure Efficient Blood Flow
- Before birth, adaptations allow the baby to receive nutrients and oxygen from the mother.
- The placenta, a mix of maternal and fetal blood, facilitates oxygenation of the baby's blood.
- The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood to the liver or bypasses it through the ductus venosus.
- The ductus venosus connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava, mixing oxygenated blood.
- Blood from the right atrium mixes with blood from the superior vena cava, increasing pressure in the right side of the heart.
- The foramen ovale allows blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs.
- The ductus arteriosus diverts blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta due to high lung resistance.
- Blood from the aorta flows to the legs and internal iliac arteries, with the umbilical artery returning blood to the placenta due to its low resistance.
- These adaptations, including the umbilical vein, ductus venosus, foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus, and umbilical artery, ensure efficient blood flow in the fetus.
