Which of the following anatomic structures are fetal shunts?
I. Foramen ovale
II. Sinus venosus
III. Ductus venosus
IV. Ductus arteriosus

Question

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Figure 2-6 in the textbook illustrates fetal circulation and the three shunts present in the fetus that close soon after birth. They include (1) the foramen ovale, the opening between the right atrium and the left atrium, which enables oxygenated blood to flow to the left side of the fetal heart; (2) the ductus venosus, which appears continuous with the umbilical vein and shunts 30% to 50% of oxygen-rich blood around the liver; and (3) the ductus arteriosus, which allows most of the pulmonary arterial blood flow to bypass the nonfunctioning fetal lungs and enter the aorta.

Which of the Following Anatomic Structures Are Fetal Shunts