OVERVIEW of the Reproductive system Stages of Pubic Hair Development (Tanner

Scale)
• The functions of the human reproductive
system are Stage 1: Pre-Adolescence
multifold. ▪ No pubic hair except for fine body
hair
• The male reproductive system’s roles:
Stage 2: occurs b/w ages 11 and 12
– to manufacture male gametes called
sperm, and ▪ Sparse, long, lightly pigmented and curly
hair develops along labia
– to deliver them to the female
reproductive tract. • Stage 3: Occurs between ages 12 and 13 –
hair becomes darker and curlier that
• The female reproductive system’s roles:
develops along pubic symphysis
– to produce gametes called ova or eggs
• Stage 4: Occurs between ages 13 and 14 –
– to provide an environment for a assumes the normal appearance of an adult
fertilized ovum -a zygote, to develop. but is not so thick – does not appear to the
inner aspect of the upper thigh
• Both the male and the female produce sex
hormones that affect • Stage 5: Sexual Maturity – assumes the
normal appearance of an adult – appears
– sexual behavior to the inner aspect of the upper thigh
– drive B. LABIA MAJORA
– development and
⮚two folds of skin with fat underneath
– function.
⮚contains Bartholins’s glands believed
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:
to secrete a yellowish mucus which acts as a
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
lubricant during sexual intercourse
The Female External Genitalia
▪ The openings of Bartholin’s glands are
A. MONS PUBIS located posteriorly on either side of the
vaginal orifice.
⮚ A.k.a MONS VENERIS
• C. LABIA MINORA
▪ a pad of fat which lies over the
symphysis pubis covered by skin and at – two thin folds of delicate tissues
puberty by short hairs
– form an upper fold (prepuce) encircling
▪ protects the surrounding delicate
the clitoris and unite posteriorly to
tissues from trauma
form the FOURCHETTE
• highly sensitive to manipulation and
trauma
 • often torn during a woman’s delivery ▪ secretes alkaline substance, which
neutralize the acidity of the vagina
D. GLANS CLITORIS
▪ (Doderleins bacillus – controls the acidity
– small erectile structure at the
of vagina)
anterior junction of the labia
• F. Urethral Meatus
minora
– External opening of the urethra;
– comparable to the penis in its
slightly behind and to the side
being extremely sensitive.
are the openings of the Skene’s
E. VESTIBULE
glands (which are often involved
– narrow space seen when the
in infections of the external
labia minora are separated
genitalia, e.g.STI).
– Almond-shaped area that
G. Vaginal orifice
contains
– A.k.a. INTROITUS
vaginal orifice
– external opening of the vagina
– hymen
– covered by a thin membrane
– Bartholin’s glands.
(called hymen) in virgins.
B. Urinary Meatus
h. PERINEUM
▪ external opening of the urethra
– area from the lower border of the vaginal
▪ serves for urination orifice to the anus

▪ Skene’s glands – contains the muscles

▪ 2 small mucus-secreting (pubococcygeal and levator ani muscles)

which support the pelvic
glands that serve for
organs, the arteries that supply blood to the
lubrication external genitalia and the pudendal nerves,
c. Hymen which are important during delivery under
anesthesia.
▪ membranous tissue that covers the
vaginal THE INTERNAL REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

orifice A. Vagina

▪ (* Carumculae Mestiformes – healing of ▪ a 3 – 4-inch-long dilatable canal

torn hymen) ▪ located between the bladder
Bartholin's glands/ Paravaginal glands and the rectum
▪ contains rugae (which permit
considerable stretching without
tearing) Blood supply
▪ organ of copulation • Abundant blood supply from uterine and
ovarian
▪ passageway for menstrual
arteries
discharges and fetus.
• Uterine artery-a branch of the internal
B. UTERUS
iliac or
• Shape: Non-Pregnant – Pear shaped/
hypogastric artery which divides into two
Pregnant – Ovoid shape main branches: cervicovaginal branch that
supplies the upper portion of vagina &
• Weight: Nonpregnant - 50 – 60 grams lower portion of cervix & main branch
• Pregnant - 1000 gram which divides into fundal, tubal, & ovarian
arteries.
• 4th stage of labor – 1000 gram
• Ovarian artery – a direct branch of the
• 2 weeks after delivery –500 grams aorta.
• 3 weeks after delivery – 300 grams Composed of 3 muscle layers: which make
• 5 – 6 weeks after delivery – 50 – 60 expansion possible in every direction.
grams • Endometrium – lines the non-pregnant
– Hollow pear-shaped fibromuscular organ uterus

– 3 inches long, 2 inches wide, 1 inch thick (inner), muscle layer for menstruation
(Endometriosis – ectopic endometrium
– weighs 50 – 60 grams in a non- abnormal growth of endometrial lining
pregnant woman outside the uterus…. common site ovaries.
– Held in place by s/sx. Persistent dysmenorrheal and low
back pain)
– Uterine ligaments which support the
uterus • Myometrium – the largest part of the
uterus; the muscle layer for pregnancy; its
• permits it to move freely in the smooth muscles are considered to be the
anteroposterior living ligature of the body
• plane & enlarge without difficulty
• Perimetrium – protects the entire uterus
during labor.
– Consists of 3 parts
• broad ligaments (from the sides of
uterus to pelvic walls; also hold fallopian – Corpus (body) – upper
tubes and ovaries in place)
portion with a triangular part called
• round ligaments (from the sides of fundus
uterus to the mons pubis)
 ▪ common site of ectopic pregnancy
▪ widest part spreads into fingerlike
projections called Fimbrae.

⮚ Isthmus
– Isthmus – area between
▪ common site of fertilization
corpus and cervix which
▪ site for Bilateral Tubal Ligation
forms part of the lower
▪ the most dangerous site of ectopic
uterine segment
pregnancy
– Cervix – lower cylindrical
D. Ovaries
portion
⮚ almond – shaped
– organ of menstruation; site of
implantation; ⮚ dull white sex glands near the fimbriae,

retainment and nourishment of the kept in place by ligaments

products of ⮚ produce mature ovum and expel ova
conception.
⮚ manufacture estrogen and progesterone
C. Fallopian Tubes
⮚ for ovulation
▪ 2-3 inches long that serve as a
• Blood supply to the ovaries is primarily
passageways of the sperm from from the ovarian
the uterus to the ampulla arteries, which are branches of the
abdominal aorta.
▪ the passageway of the mature
Blood is drained from the ovaries via the
ovum or fertilized ovum from the
ovarian veins.
ampulla to the uterus
• An ovary is surrounded externally by a
3 significant segments tunica albuginea,

⮚ Infundibulum similar to that found upon the testes.

▪ most distal part of fallopian tube (tunnel • The ovary has

or trumpet
– an outer cortex, which contains the
shape) forming gametes, and

⮚ Ampulla – an inner medulla, which contains large

blood vessels and nerves.
▪ outer 3rd and half
• The ovarian cortex is quite vascular and
▪ site of fertilization contains multiple
 tiny ovarian follicles. Each follicle contains Human Reproductive System Overview
an immature
• The human reproductive system has
egg, an oocyte, surrounded by one or multiple roles: manufacturing sperm and
more layers of cells.
delivering them to the female reproductive
tract.

• The female reproductive system produces

ova or eggs and provides an environment
for a fertilized ovum to develop.
VAGINA
• a thin-walled tube • Both male and female produce sex
hormones that affect sexual behavior,
• 3-4 inches long
development, and function.
• extends from the cervix to the body
Female External Genitalia
exterior
• lies between the bladder and the rectum • Mon’s pubis, also known as MONS
VENERIS, is a pad of fat over the symphysis
• vaginal wall has three tunics:
pubis, protecting delicate tissues from
1. an outer fibroelastic ADVENTITIA trauma.
2. a smooth muscle MUSCULARIS, and • Stages of pubic hair development include
3. RUGAE containing stratified squamous pre-adolescence, stage 2 (age 11-12), stage
mucosa. 3 (age 12-13), stage 4 (age 13-14), and stage
• The vaginal orifice is the external opening 5 (sexual maturity).
of
• Labia majora, two folds of skin with fat
the vagina. underneath, contains Bartholin's glands
• In virgins, the mucosa near the orifice that secrete a yellowish mucus for sexual
forms intercourse.

an incomplete partition called the hymen. • Labia minora, two thin folds of delicate
• The upper portion of the vaginal canal tissues, form the fourchette and are highly
sensitive to manipulation and trauma.
surrounds the cervix of the uterus,
producing a • Glans clitoris, a small erectile structure at
the anterior junction of the labia minora, is
recess called the vaginal fornix.
comparable to the penis in its sensitivity.
• The vaginal orifice is adjacent to many
• Vestibule, an almond-shaped area,
structures of the external genitalia.
contains the vaginal orifice, hymen, urethral
Summary meatus, vaginal orifice, and the perineum.
Internal Reproductive Organs Overview • Consists of three significant segments:
Infundibulum, Ampulla, and Isthmus.
A. Vagina:
D. Ovaries:
• A 3-4-inch-long dilatable canal located
between the bladder and the rectum. • Almond-shaped, dull white sex glands
near the fimbriae.
• Contains rugae for considerable stretching
without tearing. • Produce mature ovum and expel ova.

• Organ of copulation and passageway for • Manufacture estrogen and progesterone.

menstrual discharges and fetus.
• Blood supply to the ovaries is primarily
B. Uterus: from the ovarian arteries.

• Shape: Non-pregnant - Pear shaped/Ovoid • Ovaries are surrounded externally by a

shape. tunica albuginea.

• Weight: Non-pregnant - 50 - 60 grams. • The ovarian cortex is quite vascular and

contains multiple tiny ovarian follicles.
• Weight: Pregnant - 1000 gram.
E. Vagina:
• Stages of labor: 4th stage of labor - 1000
gram. • A thin-walled tube 3-4 inches long, lies
between the bladder and the rectum.
• Post-delivery: 500 grams, 300 grams, and
50 - 60 grams. • The vaginal orifice is the external opening
of the vagina.
• Holds in place by uterine ligaments.
Male Reproductive Anatomy and
• Blood supply: Abundant blood supply Physiology
from uterine and ovarian arteries.
II. Male Reproductive System
• Composed of three muscle layers: • includes the penis, scrotum and
Endometrium, Myometrium, and
testes (encased in the scrotal sac)
Perimetrium.
• spermatozoa are produced in the
C. Fallopian Tubes:
testes and reached maturity,
• 2-3 inches long that serve as passageways
of the sperm from the uterus to the surrounded by semen, in the
ampulla. external structures.

• Passageway of the mature ovum or • Semen is derived from

fertilized ovum from the ampulla to the the prostate gland
uterus.
(60%), seminal vesicle
 (30%), the epididymis during copulation.
(5%) and the • The penis consists of an attached root, a
shaft,
bulbourethral glands
and an enlarged tip called the glans penis.
(5%)
• The skin covering the penis is loose, and
• Semen is alkaline and
at the glans there is a cuff called the
contains a basic sugar prepuce, or foreskin, which is typically
removed at circumcision.
and mucin (protein)
• The penis contains three erectile bodies –
the corpus spongiosum which is ventral and
surrounds the urethra
–two corpora cavernosa, which is dorsal

Male External Structures • Each of these erectile tissues consists of:

1. Penis – a network of connective tissue

▪ the male organ of –smooth muscle filled with vascular

copulation and urination sinuses.

▪ contains of a body or a MALE PENILE ERECTILE TISSUE

shaft consisting of 3 3 cylindrical Layers

cylindrical layers and • 1. 2 Corpora Cavernosa

erectile tissues • 2. Corpus spongiosum

▪ at its tip is the most 2. Scrotum

sensitive area ▪ a pouch hanging below the

comparable to that of pendulous penis

the clitoris in the female ▪ with a medial septum dividing into

– the Glans Penis. two sacs, containing the testes

• The penis and the scrotum collectively ▪ it contains the testes, epididymis
make up and the lower portion of the
the external genitalia. spermatic cord.
• The function of the penis ▪ it supports the testes
– to deliver sperm into the female ▪ helps regulate the temperature of
reproductive tract
sperm it requires (2 degrees Celsius
 for spermatogenesis • 12.Urethra
• 8.Seminal Vesicle
3. Testes
• (Secretes fructose
⮚ 2 ovoid glands, 2 – 3 cm wide that lie • prostaglandin)
• 9.Ejaculatory duct
in the scrotum
• 10.Prostate Gland
- encased by a protective white fibrous • 11.Cowpers Gland
• (Bulbourethral
capsule (tunica albuginea)
• Gland)
- composed of a number of lobules
Epididymis – a tightly coiled
- each lobule containing interstitial cells
tube, approximately 20 ft.
(Leydig’s cell) and Semeniferous
long
Tubules
• responsible for conducting
- Semeniferous tubules produce
sperm from the testis to the
spermatozoa
vas deferens
- Leydig’s cell produce male hormone
• sperm are immobile and
testosterone
incapable of fertilization as
Anatomy of the Sperm
they pass or are stored at the
The process of Spermatogenesis
epididymis level.
• 1.Hypothalamus
• It takes at least 12 -20 days
• 2.GnRH
• 3.APG for them to travel the length
• 4.FSH – stimulate the release of
of the epididymis and a total
• Androgen Binding Protein for
sperm maturation of 64 days for them to reach
• LH – stimulate Leydig’s cell which is
maturity
responsible for the release of
testosterone Vas Deferens (Ductus deferens)
• ABP binding testosterone promotes
spermatogenesis ⮚it carries sperm from the epididymis
• 5.Testes through the inguinal canal into the
• (Seminiferous tubules)
• 6.Epididymis abdominal cavity, where it ends at the
• (6m long coiled tubules/ site for seminal vesicles and the ejaculatory
• sperm maturation)
ducts.
• 7.Vas deferens
• (pathway of spermatozoa) • sperm matures as they pass thru the
 vas deferens motile
Bulbourethral Gland – lies Ejaculatory Ducts
beside the prostate gland ⮚ pass through the prostate gland and join
the
and by short ducts empty
seminal vesicles with the urethra
into the urethra
Prostate Gland
• Secretes alkaline fluid that
helps counteract the acid ⮚chestnut – sized gland that lies just below
the
secretion of the urethra and
bladder
ensure the safe passage of
⮚the urethra passes through the center of
spermatozoa. it.
Urethra ⮚Secretes a thin alkaline fluid
⮚ a hollow tube leading from the base of
the bladder, passing through the prostate
gland, continues to the outside through
the shaft and glans penis.

⮚8 inches long, lined with mucous

membrane Summary
Seminal vesicles Male Reproductive System Overview
• 2 convoluted pouches that lie • Comprises the penis, scrotum, and testes.
along the lower portion of the
• Spermatozoa are produced in the testes
bladder and mature in the external structures.
• empty into the urethra by way • Semen is derived from the prostate gland,
of ejaculatory ducts seminal vesicle, epididymis, and
bulbourethral glands.
• secrete a viscous portion of the
semen, with high content of a • Semen is alkaline and contains basic sugar
and mucin.
basic sugar, protein, and
Male External Structures
prostaglandins and is alkaline.
• Penis: The male organ of copulation and
• Sperm becomes increasingly
urination.
• Scrotum: A pouch below the pendulous • Ejaculatory Ducts: Pass through the
penis. prostate gland and join the seminal vesicles
with the urethra.
• Testes: Two ovoid glands in the scrotum.
Male and Female Homologues
• Epididymis: A 6m long coiled tubule site
Male -Female
for sperm maturation.

• Vas deferens: The pathway of

• Penile Glans -Clitoral Glans
spermatozoa.
• Penile shaft -Clitoral shaft
• Seminal Vesicle: Secretes fructose and
prostaglandin. • Testes - Ovaries

• Ejaculatory Ducts: Pass through the • Prostate Gland -Skene’s Glands

prostate gland and join the seminal vesicles • Cowper’s Glands -Bartholin’s Glands
with the urethra. • Scrotum -Labia majora
• Prostate Gland: A chestnut-sized gland Basic Knowledge on Genetics and Obstetrics
that lies just below the bladder.
• DNA carries genetic information
• Chromosomes thread like strands
composed of hereditary materials
composed of DNA.
• Normal amount of ejaculated sperm is 3-
5 cc
Anatomy of the Sperm
• ovum is capable of being fertilized within
• Sperm are immobile and incapable of 24 – 36 hours after ovulation
fertilization as they pass or are stored at the
• Sperm is viable within 48 – 72 hours / 2-3
epididymis level. days
• Vas deferens carries sperm from the Reproductive cells divide by the
epididymis through the inguinal canal into
process of meiosis
the abdominal cavity.
1.spermatogenesis – maturation
• Bulbourethral Gland: Secretes alkaline
of sperm
fluid that helps counteract the acid
secretion of the urethra and ensures the 2.Oogenesis – maturation of
safe passage of spermatozoa. ovum
3.Gametogenesis – process of
 maturation of haploid to diploid Mammary Glands:
• Age of Reproductivity is 15 – 44y/o • Connective tissue forms lobules, which
• Ideal age for child bearing 20 - 30 attach the breast to the dermis.

• With risk 18 –2 0 • Alveolar glands pass milk into the

lactiferous ducts, opening at the nipple.
• With high risk 31 – 35
Reproductive System: An Overview
the functions of the human reproductive
Mammary Glands Anatomy system are multifold the male's
reproductive role is to manufacture male
External Structures:
gametes called sperm and deliver them to
• Specialized sebaceous glands that the female reproductive tract.
produce milk. → THE FEMALE PRODUCES FEMALE
GAMETES CALLED OVA OR EGGS.
• Nipple, a raised, pigmented area after
THE FEMALE ALSO PROVIDES AN
childbirth. ENVIRONMENT FOR A FERTILIZED
• Areola, pigmented skin around the nipple. OVUM, A ZYGOTE, TO DEVELOP.
→ Both the male and the female
• Montgomery tubercles, sebaceous glands produce sex hormones that affect
of the areola. sexual behavior, drive, development
and function.
Internal Structures:
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE (MC)
• Glandular tissue (Lobes): Composed of
Definition of Terms
acini (milk-producing) cells.
• Menarche – refers to the first
menstruation
• Amenorrhea – absence of
menstruation
• Lactiferus ducts: Passages of milk. • Dysmenorrhea – painful
menstruation
• Lactiferus sinus: Dilated portions of the • Menorrhagia – excessive bleeding
ducts located behind the nipple. during menstruation
• Polymenorrhea – frequent
• Fibrous tissue (Cooke ligaments): menstruation occurring at interval of
Provides support to the mammary gland. less than 3 weeks
• Acini cells: Milk secreting cells of the Menstruation and Menopause Overview
breasts stimulated by prolactin hormone.
• Menstruation is the periodic discharge of
• Adipose tissues (stroma): Provide the bloody fluids from the uterus, including
relative size & consistency of the breast. blood, mucus, and epithelial cells.
• Menopause is the last menstruation, MAJOR HORMONE INVOLVED IS
marking the end of a woman's reproductive ESTROGEN, WHICH INFLUENCES BUILD UP
years. OF ENDOMETRIUM

Role of Structures in the Menstrual Cycle • Secretory Phase (Ovulation): Release of

the ovum, usually 14 days before the end of
• The Hypothalamus initiates the menstrual
the cycle.
cycle, releasing FSHRF and LHRF.
• Ischemic Phase (Post Ovulatory or
• The Anterior Pituitary Gland releases FSH
Premenstrual): Degeneration of the corpus
and Leutenizing hormones. leteum, with withdrawal of estrogen and
progesterone leading to sperm and
• Ovaries are the site of ovulation and
vasoconstriction leading to necrosis.
secrete estrogen and progesterone.
Signs of ovulation
• The uterus forms the organ from which
menstrual discharge is formed. 1. Mittelschmerz - lower abdominal pain
felt at the side of the ovary that released
Events of the Menstrual Cycle the ovum.

• Day 1: The first day of menstrual bleeding, 2. Spinnbarkeit cervical mucus showing a
ferning pattern when dried and viewed
typically lasting 3 to 8 days.
under the microscope, mucus is also thin &
• Day 1-5: The uterine lining prepares for transparent, stretchable and abundant
the possibility of a pregnancy. 3. Sudden rise of body temperature
• Day 14-25: An egg is released from one of 4. Peak blood level of Luteinizing hormone.
the ovaries and begins its journey down the
Menopause (Climacterium) The last
fallopian tubes to the uterus. menstruation which indicate the end of a
• If fertilization or implantation is not woman reproductive years.
possible, hormonal changes signal the • Refers to the time in a woman's life when
uterus to shed its lining. she undergoes a transition from the
reproductive stage to the non- reproductive
stage
Phases of the Menstrual Cycle (Uterine
Cycle) • Generally, occurs between ages of 45 to
• Menstrual Phase (menstruation): First 55 and at time earlier in some women.
days of cycle when the endometrium shed.

• Proliferative Phase (Follicular Phase): THE OVUM

From DAY 6 to DAY 13 in a 28-day cycle. • The female sex gamete
• Has 2 protective covering
a) zona pelucida- inner layer • Burrowing of developing zygote into the
endometrial lining of the uterus that occurs
b) corona radiata - outer layer Lifespan 24
7-10 days after fertilization. Chorionic villi
hours Immobile structure
appear on surface and secrete human
THE SPERMATOZOA chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) which
inhibits ovulation during pregnancy by
• The male gamete or sex cell stimulating continuous production of
• Parts includes: estrogen and progesterone.

a) head - contains the chromatin materials THE DECIDUA

b) neck - or midpiece which provides energy • refers to the endometrium after

from movement implantation

c) tail - responsible for the motility • 3 layers

TYPES OF SPERM CELLS a) decidua capsularis - encloses the

blastocyst
1. Gynosperm contain the X chromosomes -
large oval heads and lesser in number b) decidua vera - located under decidua
survive in acidic environment basalis

2. Androsperm carriers the Y chromosomes c) decidua basalis - layer involved with

smaller head but greater in number - thrive implantation. It forms the maternal side of
in alkaline environment the placenta.

SEMEN
• The fluid release by a man during Fetal heart circulation
ejaculation that contains sperm cells and the placenta acts as the respiratory organ,
secretions from the male reproductive exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide
tract. between the fetal and maternal blood. The
• The average amount of semen is 3-5 ml fetal heart has to pump blood to the
and this contains about 300-500m of sperm placenta for this gas exchange to occur.
cells The Umbilical cord contains 2 arteries and 1
vein
Arteries carries deoxygenated blood and
waste products from the fetus
The vein carries oxygenated blood and
FERTILIZATION- this is the union of the egg provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
cell and the sperm cell in the fallopian tube.
Fetal heart rate
• Zygote is the term used for a fertilized
ovum ✓ 120-160 PBM
✓ Approximately twice the maternal
IMPLANTATION Also called NIDATION rate
3 SHUNTS TO REMEBER • Umbilical Vein – brings oxygenated
blood coming from the placenta to
→ These are small passages that direct
the heart and liver, becomes
blood that needs to be oxygenated.
ligamentum teres after birth
The purpose of these shunts is to
• Umbilical Arteries – carry
bypass the lungs and liver. That's
unoxygenated blood from fetus to
because these organs will not work
the placenta, becomes umbilical
fully until after birth
ligaments after birth
→ Present because of non-functioning
• Ductus Venosus – carry oxygenated
lungs
blood from the umbilical vein to
→ Bypass must close following birth to
inferior vena cava, becomes
allow blood to flow the lungs and
ligamentum venosum after birth
the liver
Process in Fetal heart circulation
Foramen Ovale
1. Oxygenated blood enters the
• is an opening between the right and
umbilical vein from the placenta
left atria of the fetal heart. It allows 2. Enters the ductus venosus
oxygenated blood from the placenta 3. passes through inferior vena cava
to bypass the non-functioning fetal 4. enters the right atrium
lungs and flow directly to the fetal 5. Enters the foramen ovale
body. 6. Goes to the left atrium
Ductus venosus 7. passes through the left ventricle
8. Flows to ascending aorta to supply
• is a blood vessel that connects the nourishment to brain and upper
umbilical vein to the inferior vena extremities
cava. It allows oxygenated blood 9. Unoxygenated blood enters the
from the placenta to bypass the superior vena cava
fetal liver and flow directly to the 10. Goes to the right atrium
heart and body. 11. enters the right ventricle
Ductus arteriosus 12. Enters pulmonary artery with some
of the blood going to the lungs to
• is a blood vessel that connects the supply oxygen and nourishment
pulmonary artery to the descending 13. Flows to ductus arteriosus
aorta. It allows blood to bypass the 14. Enters the descending aorta
fetal lungs and flow directly from 15. Enters the hypogastric arteries
the right ventricle to the aorta 16. enters umbilical arteries
17. Back to the placenta

Special Structures in the Fetal Circulation

• Foramen Ovale – connects the L &
R atria; obliterated after birth
Key notes
Fetal blood bypasses the lungs: In
the fetus, the foramen ovale and
ductus arteriosus allow blood to
bypass the lungs and flow directly
from the right to left atrium.
Placenta replaces the lungs: The
placenta acts as the respiratory
organ for the fetus, allowing for gas
exchange between fetal and
maternal blood.
Umbilical vessels replace aorta and
vena cava: The umbilical arteries
and vein, rather than the aorta and
vena cava, carry blood to and from
the placenta.
Higher blood pressure in fetal right
ventricle: The fetal right ventricle
has to pump blood through the
placenta, resulting in higher blood
pressure compared to the adult
right ventricle.