FE Fetal Cardiac Anatomy & Development

Question 1

At what gestational age does the fetal heart typically begin to beat?

Accepted Answer

5-6 weeks

Answer

The fetal heart begins to beat around 5 to 6 weeks of gestation, making it one of the first functional organs.

Question 2

Which structure connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in fetal circulation?

Accepted Answer

Ductus arteriosus

Answer

The ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the fetal lungs by connecting the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta.

Question 3

What is the function of the foramen ovale in the fetal heart?

Accepted Answer

Connects right atrium to left atrium

Answer

The foramen ovale allows oxygenated blood to pass from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the non-functioning fetal lungs.

Question 4

Which imaging plane provides the best view of the four chambers of the fetal heart?

Accepted Answer

Transverse four-chamber view

Answer

The four-chamber view is the standard plane used to evaluate the size and symmetry of the atria and ventricles.

Question 5

Which vessel delivers oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus?

Accepted Answer

Umbilical vein

Answer

The umbilical vein carries oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus, entering the liver or ductus venosus.

(FE) Fetal Echocardiography Certification Practice Test