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fetal circulation

 Fetal circulation

Two umbilical arteries

Single umbilical vein


Fetal circulatory system uses 3 shunt-


1. Ductus Arteriosus

2. Foramen ovale

3. Ductus Venosus


1. Ductus Arteriosus

Connect aorta with artery




2. Foramen ovale

The hole between top two heart chambers (right and left atrium).

This allow oxygen rich blood to go from right atrium to left atrium and then to left ventricle and out the aorta.

Patent (Open) foramen ovale only occur after birth  foramen ovale fail to close, called PFO.


Foramen ovale directs oxygen rich blood umbilical cord in fetus right atrium to left atrium during fetal development.

3. Ductus Venosus

Ductus venosus shunt that allows oxygenated blood in the umbilical vein.

Blood becomes oxygenated in the placenta and flow to the right atrium via umbilical veins through the ductus venosus, then to the inferior vena cava.


This shunt connects the fetal umbilical vein with the inferior vena cava and then the right atrium and allow oxygen rich blood right atrium to left atrium.

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