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Foetal Circulation - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 15:15, 11 July 2008
, 15:15, 11 July 2008no edit summary
====Shunt 3: The Ductus Arteriosus====
====Shunt 3: The Ductus Arteriosus====
The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta and allows equivalent ventricular function in the foetus. The blood from the right ventricle is pumped to the pulmonary trunk where, due to the high resistance in the collapsed foetal lungs, a larger volume passes through the ductus arteriosus to the caudal aorta. Most of the blood in the aorta is then returned to the placenta for oxygenation through the umbilical arteries. The ductus arteriosus empties blood into the aorta after the artery to the head has branched off thus ensuring that the brain receives well-oxygenated blood.