Changes

===Foetal versus Adult Circulation===

===Foetal Circulation===

A large number of physiological processes that are necessary for the embryo’s survival, such as detoxification, gas exchange and waste removal, are carried out by the placenta [[http://w01.rvcwiki.wf.ulcc.ac.uk/index.php/Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Placenta_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology]] rendering organs such as the liver and lungs surplus to requirement. There are a number of foetal circulatory shunts that ensure oxygen and nutrient rich blood flows directly to the most important organs, namely the brain, heart and adrenal glands.

A large number of physiological processes that are necessary for the embryo’s survival, such as detoxification, gas exchange and waste removal, are carried out by the placenta [[http://w01.rvcwiki.wf.ulcc.ac.uk/index.php/Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Placenta_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology]] rendering organs such as the liver and lungs surplus to requirement. There are a number of foetal circulatory shunts that ensure oxygen and nutrient rich blood flows directly to the most important organs, namely the brain, heart and adrenal glands.

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.

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.