FOETAL CIRCULATION Meaning and
Definition
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Foetal circulation refers to the unique circulatory system present in the developing foetus during pregnancy. It is a complex process that enables the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials between the developing foetus and the mother.
In foetal circulation, the oxygenated blood is obtained from the placenta through the umbilical vein, which carries it to the liver. From the liver, a significant portion of this oxygen-rich blood is diverted through the ductus venosus directly into the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver. The remaining oxygenated blood mixes with deoxygenated blood in the right atrium.
Next, the blood enters the left atrium through the foramen ovale, a small opening between the right and left atria. This allows the oxygenated blood to bypass the right ventricle and enter the left ventricle, from where it is pumped to the body through the aorta.
Within the foetus' body, deoxygenated blood is returned to the placenta through the two umbilical arteries, where it releases waste products and receives fresh oxygen. This cycle of oxygenated blood flow and deoxygenated blood return ensures the foetus receives an adequate oxygen supply for its growth and development.
At birth, as the foetus transitions to an independent circulatory system, certain structures, such as the ductus venosus and the foramen ovale, close, redirecting blood flow through the now-functioning lungs. This marks the establishment of postnatal circulation and the discontinuation of foetal circulation.
Common Misspellings for FOETAL CIRCULATION
- doetal circulation
- coetal circulation
- voetal circulation
- goetal circulation
- toetal circulation
- roetal circulation
- fietal circulation
- fketal circulation
- fletal circulation
- fpetal circulation
- f0etal circulation
- f9etal circulation
- fowtal circulation
- fostal circulation
- fodtal circulation
- fortal circulation
- fo4tal circulation
- fo3tal circulation
- foeral circulation
Etymology of FOETAL CIRCULATION
The term "foetal circulation" combines two words: "foetal" and "circulation".
1. Foetal: The word "foetal" is derived from the Middle English word "fetel" or "fetale", which meant "whelp or cub". It can be traced back to the Latin word "fetus", meaning "offspring" or "young one". The term "foetus" refers to the unborn or developing offspring of mammals after the embryonic stage.
2. Circulation: The word "circulation" originates from the Latin word "circulatio", which means "a going round". It is derived from the verb "circulare", which signifies "to move in a circle or round". In terms of biology and anatomy, "circulation" refers to the movement or flow of body fluids, such as blood or lymph, through a closed system of vessels.
