Diagram Step By Step Fetal Circulation Flow Chart
Fetal circulation is a complex process that involves the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus. Understanding fetal circulation is important for the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of fetal circulation flow chart.
Step 1: Oxygen and Nutrients from the Mother
The first step in fetal circulation is the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus. This occurs through the placenta, which is a specialized organ that develops during pregnancy. The placenta allows for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the mother and the fetus.
Step 2: Umbilical Vein
Once the oxygen and nutrients are transferred from the mother to the fetus, they enter the fetal circulation system through the umbilical vein. The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood rich in nutrients from the placenta to the fetus.
Step 3: Ductus Venosus
The umbilical vein then enters the fetal liver, where a portion of the blood is diverted through the ductus venosus. This duct allows for the majority of the oxygenated blood to bypass the liver and enter the inferior vena cava.
Step 4: Inferior Vena Cava
The inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body to the heart. In the fetal circulation system, the inferior vena cava carries oxygenated blood from the ductus venosus to the right atrium of the heart.
Step 5: Foramen Ovale
From the right atrium, the oxygenated blood flows through the foramen ovale, which is a hole in the wall between the two atria of the heart. The foramen ovale allows the blood to bypass the lungs, which are not yet functional in the fetus.
Step 6: Left Atrium
After passing through the foramen ovale, the oxygenated blood enters the left atrium of the heart. From there, it is pumped into the left ventricle and then out to the body through the aorta.
Step 7: Aorta
The aorta is the largest artery in the body and carries oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. In the fetal circulation system, the aorta carries oxygenated blood to the head and upper extremities.
Step 8: Superior Vena Cava
Deoxygenated blood from the head and upper extremities is carried back to the heart through the superior vena cava. The superior vena cava enters the right atrium of the heart.
Step 9: Right Ventricle
From the right atrium, the deoxygenated blood is pumped into the right ventricle. From there, it is pumped out to the lungs through the pulmonary artery.
Step 10: Pulmonary Artery
The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. In the lungs, the blood picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
Step 11: Pulmonary Vein
After picking up oxygen in the lungs, the blood is carried back to the heart through the pulmonary veins. The pulmonary veins enter the left atrium of the heart.
Step 12: Left Ventricle
From the left atrium, the oxygenated blood is pumped into the left ventricle. From there, it is pumped out to the body through the aorta.
Step 13: Umbilical Arteries
Deoxygenated blood is carried away from the fetus through the umbilical arteries. The umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood back to the placenta, where it is once again oxygenated and receives nutrients from the mother.
Conclusion
Understanding fetal circulation is important for the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. The step-by-step process of fetal circulation flow chart involves the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the mother and the fetus. By knowing how fetal circulation works, healthcare providers can monitor the health and development of the fetus, and intervene if necessary to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
