Fetal Circulation

1. Oxygenated blood enters the umbilical vein from the placenta
2. Enters ductus venosus
3. Passes through inferior venacava
4. Enters the right atrium
5. Enters the foramen ovale
6. Goes to the left atrium
7. Passes through left ventricle
8. Flows to ascending aorta to supply nourishment to the brain and upper extremeties
9. Enters superior vena cava
10. Goes to right atrium
11. Enters the right ventricle
12. Enters pulmonary artery with some blood going to the lungs to supply oxygen and nourishment
13. Flows to ductus arteriosus
14. Enters descending aorta ( some blood going to the lower extremeties)
15. Enters hypogastric arteries
16. Goes back to the placenta

Special Structures in Fetal Circulation

Placenta – Where gas exchange takes place during fetal life

Umbilical Arteries – Carry unoxygenated blood from the fetus to placenta

Umbilical Vein – Brings oxygenated blood coming from the placenta to the fetus

Foramen Ovale – Connects the left and right atrium. It pushes blood from the right atrium to the left atrium so that blood can be supplied to brain, heart and kidney

Ductus Venosus - Carry oxygenated blood from umbilical vein to inferior venacava, bypassing fetal liver

Ductus Arteriosus - Carry oxygenated blood from pulmonary artery to aorta, bypassing fetal lungs.

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