Fetal Blood Circulation

In fetal circulation, the placenta is responsible for metabolism (fetal digestive tract), endocrine secretions, and transfer (fetal pulmonary and renal system).
The umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein.

Structures in Fetal Circulation are: 

1. Placenta
Location: attached to the uterus
Function: gas exchange during fetal life

2. Umbilical Arteries

Location: two arteries in the cord
Function: carry unoxygenated blood from the fetus (descending aorta) to placenta

3. Umbilical Vein

Location: one vein in the cord
Function: carry oxygenated blood to the fetus


4. Foramen ovale  
Location: an opening between right and left atria of heart bypassing lungs
Function: to shunt blood from the right atrium to the left atrium so that blood can be supplied to brain, heart and kidney  

5. Ductus arteriosus 
Location: connects pulmonary artery and aorta, bypassing lungs.
Function: shunting of the larger portion of the blood away from the lungs and directly into the aorta

6. Ductus venosus
Location: connects umbilical vein and inferior vena cava, bypassing liver
Function: to supply blood to liver


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