Which structure in the fetus allows blood to bypass the immature liver?
A) Foramen ovale
B) Ductus venosus
C) Ductus arteriosus
D) Umbilical vein

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ductus venosus is a fetal blood vessel that allows for the bypassing of blood around the immature liver. This vessel connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava, which carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetal heart. Once the blood enters the right atrium, some of it is shunted directly to the left atrium via the foramen ovale, while the rest flows to the right ventricle and is redirected through the ductus arteriosus to the aorta. The umbilical vein and ductus arteriosus both play a role in fetal circulation, but neither is specifically responsible for bypassing the liver.

Which Structure in the Fetus Allows Blood to Bypass the Immature