How is the pulmonary circulation different in the fetus compared with an adult?
The lungs are nonfunctioning in the fetus, thus, all the oxygen and nutrients come from the placenta. Lungs are bypassed through the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus. Describe the changes that occur to the circulation when the baby begins to breathe air and the umbilical cord is cut: The foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus and ductus venosus close and the lungs are cleared off amniotic fluid.
