In Fetal Circulation, the Ductus Venosus

Question

In fetal circulation, the ductus venosus:
A)takes blood from the fetus to the placenta.
B)connects the pulmonary artery with the aorta.
C)bypasses the liver.
D)shunts blood from the right atrium into the left atrium.

Accepted Answer

The ductus venosus is a small blood vessel that connects the umbilical vein, which brings oxygenated blood from the placenta, to the inferior vena cava, which carries blood to the heart. The ductus venosus also bypasses the liver to direct blood straight to the heart. This allows the fetus to receive oxygenated blood with nutrients from the placenta without having to first go through the liver for processing.