A student asks the faculty member to explain why the fetus has such a low PO₂.What explanation by the faculty member is most accurate? A)Blood from the mother is deoxygenated. B)It keeps the ductus arteriosus open. C)It maintains the maternal circulation. D)It supports the foramen ovale.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The low fetal PO₂ helps to maintain fetal (not maternal)circulation and keeps the ductus arteriosus open.It also helps keep the pulmonary vascular bed constricted.Blood from the mother is oxygenated.It does not support the foramen ovale.

A Student Asks the Faculty Member to Explain Why the Fetus