The blood vessel that bypasses the lungs in fetal circulation is the
A) umbilical artery
B) ductus venosus
C) placental artery
D) ductus arteriosus
E) foramen ovale

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in the fetus, bypassing the lungs. This is because the lungs are non-functional in the fetus (oxygen is supplied by the placenta), and blood exiting the right ventricle is directed to systemic circulation via the ductus arteriosus. After birth, the ductus arteriosus typically closes and blood flows to the lungs for oxygenation.

The Blood Vessel That Bypasses the Lungs in Fetal Circulation