Fetal circulation is the circulatory system of a developing fetus. Although the spelling may seem straightforward, the phonetic transcription reveals the intricate sounds involved in its pronunciation. The first syllable, "fee," is pronounced as /fiː/, with a long "ee" sound. The second syllable, "tal," is pronounced as /tæl/, with the short "a" sound. Finally, the last syllable, "cir-cu-la-tion," is pronounced as /sɜrˈkjʊleɪʃən/, with a stressed "sir" sound and the stress on the "ku" syllable. Fetal circulation is a crucial aspect of prenatal development, and its pronunciation deserves careful attention.
Fetal circulation refers to the unique system of blood circulation that occurs in a developing fetus in the womb. It is distinct from the circulation that takes place in adults or after birth. During fetal development, the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients from the mother's placenta, rather than taking in oxygen through its own lungs and receiving nutrients through its own digestive system.
The main components of fetal circulation include the umbilical cord, placenta, and the fetal heart. Oxygenated blood and nutrients are supplied to the fetus through the umbilical vein, which connects to the placenta. The placenta acts as a vital exchange organ, allowing the mother's blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, while simultaneously removing waste products.
Inside the fetus, the blood is diverted away from the lungs and is directed toward crucial organs like the brain, heart, and liver. To achieve this, a unique fetal circulatory pattern is established, involving specialized structures like the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus. These structures allow blood to bypass the non-functional lungs and ensure that enough oxygenated blood is delivered to these organs for proper growth and development.
Fetal circulation ceases to function after birth, when the newborn's lungs take over the oxygenation of blood. The fetal circulatory system then undergoes significant changes to adapt to the new environment outside the womb.
Understanding fetal circulation is crucial for medical professionals as it helps in diagnosing and managing certain congenital heart defects or disorders that may affect the proper development of blood circulation in the fetus.
The course of the blood current in the fetus, differing in several respects from that in post-natal life.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "fetal" comes from the Latin term "fetus", which means "offspring" or "young one". It is derived from the verb "fe(t)us", meaning "to breed or beget". The word "circulation" comes from the Latin term "circulatio", which is derived from the verb "circulare", meaning "to circulate". In the context of "fetal circulation", it refers to the movement or flow of blood within the developing fetus.