Fetal Cardiovascular Structures & Associated Postnatal Structures

Foramen Ovale

Postnatal Structure: Fossa ovalis Function of Fetal Cardiovascular Structure: Shunt blood from the right atrium to the left atrium, thereby bypassing the nonfunctional lungs.

Ductus Arteriosus

Postnatal Structure: Ligamentum Arteriosum Function of Fetal Cardiovascular Structure: Shunt blood from the pulmonary trunk to the aorta, thereby bypassing the pulmonary circuit and nonfunctional lungs.

Ductus Venosus

Postnatal Structure: Ligamentum Venosum Function of Fetal Cardiovascular Structure: Carry oxygenated blood from umbilical vein to the infeiror vena cava.

Umbilical Arteries

Postnatal Structure: Medial umbilical ligaments Function of Fetal Cardiovascular Structure: Carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placena so it can obtain oxygen from the mother's blood.

Umbilical Vein

Postnatal Structure: Round ligament of the liver (ligamentum teres) Function of Fetal Cardiovascular Structure: Carry oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetal circulation.