Fetal Circulation Explained | Step-by-Step Animation for Medical Students

Hello I am Dr.Andrew Welcome to MEDx Channel. Fetal circulation (before and after birth) maternity nursing lecture for students! For nursing exams and NCLEX, you want to be familiar with the three fetal heart shunts that make up fetal circulation. These shunts include: ductus venosus, foramen ovale, and ductus arteriosus. In addition, be familiar with how blood flows to and from the placenta to the baby along with the vessels of the umbilical cord. In this review, I will detail how blood flows in fetal circulation before and after birth, the role of the placenta, and the location of the three fetal shunts. Why does the fetus have shunts within the circulatory system? The word shunt means to push or pull. Therefore, these shunts (particularly the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale) help push or pull blood from going to the lungs. Remember in the fetus the lungs are not working yet. The lungs are full of fluid and resistance is high in the lungs. This causes the pressure in the right side of the heart to be higher than the left, which helps will this shunting mechanism. A visual explanation of fetal circulation and how it differs from that of postnatal or adult circulation. Unlock the mystery of fetal circulation with this clear, concise, and high-yield animated video! Perfect for medical students, nursing students, and anyone studying human embryology, this video breaks down the complex pathway of blood flow in the fetus before birth. In this video, you'll learn: How oxygenated blood flows from the placenta The roles of the ductus venosus, foramen ovale, and ductus arteriosus The differences between fetal and postnatal circulation Why fetal circulation is essential for survival before birth This is a must-watch for anyone preparing for USMLE, NCLEX, or any anatomy & physiology exam. Chapters: Introduction Blood flow from the placenta Key fetal shunts Comparison with adult circulation Changes after birth Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more medical animations! Tags: fetal circulation, fetal heart, embryology, medical animation, usmle step 1, NCLEX, human development, foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus, placenta blood flow, fetal physiology, prenatal circulation