Question

which of the following structures are associated only with fetal circulation? select all that apply.
a foramen ovale
b ductus arteriosus
c umbilical arteries and veins
d circle of willis
e hepatic portal system

Explanation:

• Foramen ovale: A fetal heart structure that allows blood to bypass the non - functional fetal lungs. After birth, it usually closes.
• Ductus arteriosus: Connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in the fetus, shunting blood away from the lungs. It closes after birth.
• Umbilical arteries and veins: Exclusive to the fetal - maternal connection. The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus, and the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta. After birth, they are no longer functional in the same way.
• Circle of Willis: Present in both fetal and adult circulations. It is an anastomosis of arteries at the base of the brain that provides collateral blood flow.
• Hepatic portal system: Present in both fetal and adult. It is a system of veins that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract, spleen, etc., to the liver.

Answer:

A. foramen ovale, B. ductus arteriosus, C. umbilical arteries and veins