What is fetal circulation?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about fetal circulation, which refers to the circulatory system of a fetus in the womb. This involves specific pathways and structures that are in place to support the developing fetus before birth, including the umbilical cord and certain blood vessels that differ from postnatal circulation.
Answer
Fetal circulation involves nutrient and oxygen transfer from the placenta to the fetus, and waste removal back to the mother.
Fetal circulation involves the exchange of oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus through the umbilical cord, and the removal of waste products back to the mother's system.
Answer for screen readers
Fetal circulation involves the exchange of oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus through the umbilical cord, and the removal of waste products back to the mother's system.
More Information
Fetal circulation is uniquely adapted to the developing fetus, relying on the mother's circulatory system for oxygen and nutrients as the fetal lungs are not yet in use.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing fetal circulation with adult circulation, which functions differently due to the use of lungs for gas exchange after birth.
Sources
- Fetal Circulation | American Heart Association - heart.org
- Physiology, Fetal Circulation - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Fetal Circulation | CHOP - chop.edu
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