The fetal shortcut from the right atrium to the left atrium is the
A)ductus arteriosus.
B)ductus venosus.
C)umbilical vein.
D)umbilical artery.
E)foramen ovale.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fetal shortcut from the right atrium to the left atrium is the foramen ovale. This is a small opening in the wall between the two atria that allows oxygenated blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs and travel directly to the left side of the heart for distribution to the rest of the body. The ductus arteriosus and ductus venosus are additional fetal blood vessels that shunt blood away from the lungs and liver, respectively. The umbilical vein brings oxygen and nutrients to the fetus from the placenta, while the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated, nutrient-poor blood from the fetus to the placenta.

The Fetal Shortcut from the Right Atrium to the Left