10 Questions
What organ becomes the primary source of gas exchange for the newborn after separation from the maternal utero-placental circulation?
Lungs
What is the main function of the right atrium in fetal circulation?
To receive blood from the placenta
Which blood vessels carry highly oxygenated blood directly to the brain and heart in fetal circulation?
Subclavian arteries
What is the primary source of oxygen for the fetus in utero?
Placenta
What happens to the blood that enters the right ventricle and pulmonary artery in fetal circulation?
90% of it is shunted across the ductus arteriosus and into the descending aorta
What triggers an increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR), blood pressure, and pressures in the left side of the heart at birth?
Clamping of the umbilical cord
Which structure connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the lungs in fetal circulation?
Ductus Arteriosus
What is the main cause of successful transition and closure of fetal shunts at birth?
Clamping of the umbilical cord
What decreases oxygen concentration, increases carbon dioxide concentration, and decreases the blood PH during respiratory adaptation to extra uterine life?
Clamping of the umbilical cord
What happens to pulmonary blood flow at birth due to increased oxygen levels exposure?
It increases
Study Notes
Fetal Circulation
- The lungs become the primary source of gas exchange for the newborn after separation from the maternal utero-placental circulation.
Fetal Heart Functions
- The right atrium receives oxygenated blood from the placenta in fetal circulation.
Fetal Blood Vessels
- The carotid and aortic arches carry highly oxygenated blood directly to the brain and heart in fetal circulation.
Fetal Oxygenation
- The primary source of oxygen for the fetus in utero is the maternal oxygen supply via the placenta.
Fetal Blood Flow
- Blood that enters the right ventricle and pulmonary artery is redirected to the aorta through the ductus arteriosus, bypassing the lungs in fetal circulation.
Birth Transition
- The reduction of placental circulation and increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) at birth triggers an increase in blood pressure and pressures in the left side of the heart.
Fetal Shunts
- The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the lungs in fetal circulation.
Closure of Fetal Shunts
- The main cause of successful transition and closure of fetal shunts at birth is the increase in oxygen levels.
Respiratory Adaptation
- The decrease in oxygen concentration, increase in carbon dioxide concentration, and decrease in blood pH trigger respiratory adaptation to extrauterine life.
Pulmonary Blood Flow
- Pulmonary blood flow increases at birth due to increased oxygen levels exposure.
Explore the physiological adaptation of newborns and their transition from being dependent on the mother to independent beings. Learn about the critical task of establishing respirations and the organ of gas exchange after separation from maternal utero-placental circulation.
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