Fetal Physiology

Question 1

What is the main exchange unit between the maternal and fetal circulation?

Answer 1

the placenta

• has chorionic villi for greater SA and is bathed in maternal blood from the uterine arteries
• uterine arteries allow a high flow, low resistance circulation

Question 2

What do the umbilical arteries and veins carry?

Answer 2

arteries - deoxygenated blood

veins - oxygenated blood

Question 3

What is the difference between pO2 of the mother and the baby?

Answer 3

-the baby must have a lower pO2 than the mother to ensure there is a gradient of partial pressure