Table 2.07 - Special Features of the Fetal Circulation - An Overview:

Placenta, not lung, is organ of gas exchange

6 fetal vascular channels present

Hearts (Right & Left) work in parallel, therefore outputs may differ

Circulatory pattern insures higher PO₂ to brain, less to lower body

Cardiac output high, therefore large blood flow to placenta and fetal tissues

Pulmonary circulation has high resistance, therefore low blood flow. Sensitive to rising PO₂