FE Hemodynamics & Blood Flow Flashcards

Which vessel carries the most oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus?

Answer: Umbilical vein

The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetal liver and heart.

The ductus venosus shunts blood from the umbilical vein directly to which structure?

Answer: Inferior vena cava

The ductus venosus connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava, bypassing the hepatic circulation.

In fetal circulation, the foramen ovale allows blood to shunt from which chamber to which chamber?

Answer: Right atrium to left atrium

The foramen ovale allows oxygenated blood from the right atrium to pass into the left atrium, bypassing the pulmonary circulation.

Which fetal shunt connects the main pulmonary artery to the descending aorta?

Answer: Ductus arteriosus

The ductus arteriosus connects the main pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, allowing most right ventricular output to bypass the lungs.

What percentage of combined cardiac output does the right ventricle contribute in the normal fetus?

Answer: 55%

The fetal right ventricle contributes approximately 55% of combined cardiac output, making it the dominant ventricle in utero.

In the normal fetus, pulmonary vascular resistance is:

Answer: Higher than systemic vascular resistance

Fetal pulmonary vascular resistance is high due to fluid-filled lungs and hypoxic vasoconstriction, directing blood away from the pulmonary circulation.