fetal circulation

Introduction

The circulation that serves the fetus in utero with the placenta functioning to supply oxygen & deliver nutrition & to eliminate CO2 & nitrogenous waste.

Oxygenated blood from the placenta is delivered to the fetus by the umbilical vein. Oxygenated blood from the venous system enters the right atrium & right ventricle, bypasses the lungs via the ductus arteriosus connecting the pulmonary artery with the aortic arch. Closure of the ductus arteriosis & birth & obliteration of the umbilical vein initiates circulation through the lungs & the normal postnatal circulatory system.

More general terms

• circulation

More specific terms

• persistent fetal circulation; persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Additional terms

• fetus