Which of the following is a change that occurs in fetal circulation at birth?
A)Ductus venosus continues to carry blood to the liver
B)Foramen ovale closes to become the fossa ovalis
C)Ductus arteriosis opens
D)Umbilical arteries become the fossa ovalis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The foramen ovale, a hole in the fetal heart that allows blood to bypass the lungs, closes at birth and becomes the fossa ovalis. This change is necessary for the redirection of blood flow through the lungs now that the newborn is breathing air. Choice A is incorrect because the ductus venosus, which shunted blood directly to the inferior vena cava in fetal circulation, closes off after birth. Choice C is also incorrect because the ductus arteriosus, a shunt between the pulmonary artery and the aorta in fetal circulation, should close at birth. Choice D is incorrect because the umbilical arteries, which carried deoxygenated fetal blood to the placenta, should also close off after birth.

Which of the Following Is a Change That Occurs in Fetal