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Fetal Circulation
Fetal Circulation
Objectives
Discuss anatomy and physiology of fetal circulation Compare and contrast fetal circulation to infant circulation Define specialized structures of fetal circulation
Blood continues journey to the left ventricle blood is then pumped into the aorta Blood is circulated to the upper extremities Blood then returns to the right atrium
Rest of blood is shunted away from lungs by ductous ateriosus back to aorta
Conversion (cont)
What happens to these special structures after birth?
Umbilical arteries atrophy Umbilical vein becomes part of the fibrous support ligament for the liver The foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus, ductus venosus atrophy and become fibrous ligaments
Overview of Conversion
Umbilical cord is clamped Loose placenta Closure of ductus venosus Blood is transported to liver and portal system Loss of placenta also leads to
Overview of Conversion
First breath Lungs expand and fluid is expelled Decreased pulmonary resistance Increased pressure in left atrium Closure of foramen ovale
Overview of Conversion
Loss of placenta Increased systemic resistance Pressure in right atrium decreased Change from right to left shunting to left to right blood flow Increased O2 levels in pulmonary circulation Closure of the ductus arteriosus
Summary
Reviewed anatomy and physiology of fetal circulation Discussed conversion from fetal to infant circulation Compared fetal to infant circulation Determined outcome of special features associated with fetal circulation after birth