Foetal Circulation Flashcards
Where does the exchange of nutrients and waste occur for the foetus?
In the placenta
What vessel carries oxygenated nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the Vena Cava?
The umbilical vein
What is the ductus venosus?
Vein that redirects blood from the underdeveloped liver to the inferior Vena Cava.
Is blood that is delivered to the tissues in a foetus oxygenated?
It is partially oxygenated as oxygenated blood is mixed with deoxygenated blood in the inferior Vena Cava before entering the heart.
What is the foramen ovale?
Bypass from the RA to the LA as most of the blood cannot enter the pulmonary trunk to be taken to the lungs.
Why is there a bypass of the lungs?
The lungs are underdeveloped and the alveoli are filled with fluid to create pressure and prevent blood from flowing into the pulmonary circuit.
Does any blood enter the pulmonary trunk?
Some does.
What occurs to the blood that does enter the pulmonary trunk.
Some of it is taken to the aorta through a bypass, while some is taken to the lungs which is required for their development.
What vessel carries blood from the tissues to the placenta?
internal iliac artery.
