Foetal Circulation

Question 1

describe the foetal circulation overall

Answer 1

blood goes from the placenta to the heart
then pumped round the body
returns to the placenta

Question 2

how does the foetal heart pump blood to the placenta?

Answer 2

via the umbilical arteries

Question 3

what type of blood travels in the umbilical arteries?

Answer 3

deoxygenated

Question 4

what type of blood travels in the umbilical vein?

Answer 4

oxygenated

Question 5

how does blood from the placenta return to the foetus?

Answer 5

via the umbilical vein

Question 6

what are the three shunts found in the foetal circulation?

Answer 6

ductus venosus
foramen ovale
ductus arteriosus

Question 7

where is the ductus venosus located?

Answer 7

connects the umbilical vein to the IVC

Question 8

where is the foramen ovale located?

Answer 8

in the atrial septum, connecting the RA to the LA

Question 9

where is the ductus arteriosus found?

Answer 9

connects the pulmonary bifurcation to the descending aorta

Question 10

what is the role of the ductus venosus?

Answer 10

carries placental blood straight to the IVC, bypassing portal circulation

Question 11

what is the role of the foramen ovale?

Answer 11

allows blood to flow from RA to LA

so oxygenated blood is pumped around the body