BLOOD CIRCULATION AND DEFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE EMBRYO

During the period of development and birth, the embryo receives all the nutrients and oxygen necessary for life from the mother's body. This process is carried out by satellite. This process happens as follows. There are three vascular structures in the umbilical cord: two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. As with the minor circulation, the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta; and the umbilical vein returns oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus. After entering the body of the fetus, this oxygenated blood must be efficiently distributed throughout the body. However, in order for this to happen, the circulatory system of the unborn baby has a number of unique anatomical features that allow blood to circulate to the capillary beds where it is most needed.