The placenta serves as the "lungs," "liver," and "kidneys" for the fetus.
Fetal circulation is a specialized system that allows a developing fetus to receive oxygen and nutrients while bypassing non-functional organs like the lungs and liver. Unlike adult circulation, which works in a series, fetal circulation operates in parallel, utilizing three unique shunts to manage blood flow. fetal circulation pdf free download
Maternal and fetal blood never mix; instead, oxygen and nutrients diffuse across the placental barrier. The placenta serves as the "lungs," "liver," and
To optimize delivery to vital organs like the brain, the fetal system uses three "shortcuts": The placenta serves as the "lungs
Fetuses have specialized hemoglobin with a higher affinity for oxygen, allowing them to extract oxygen efficiently even in a lower-oxygen environment. The Three Essential Fetal Shunts