Question:
Where is the highest oxygen concentration present in fetal circulation?
Where is the highest oxygen concentration present in fetal circulation?
Show Hint
Follow the route of umbilical vein blood after it leaves the placenta.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Superior vena cava (SVC)
- Inferior vena cava (IVC)
- Right ventricle
- Aorta
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Trace the oxygenated blood. In the fetus, gas exchange happens at the placenta, not the lungs. The most highly oxygenated blood leaves the placenta and travels back to the fetus through the umbilical vein.
Step 2: The umbilical vein blood is shunted through the ductus venosus directly into the inferior vena cava. So the IVC carries the most oxygen-rich blood of any large vessel in fetal circulation.
Step 3: Why the others are lower. The SVC drains deoxygenated blood from the head and upper body. By the time blood reaches the right ventricle it has mixed with SVC return, and the aorta receives blood that has further mixed via the ductus arteriosus, so its oxygen content is lower than the IVC.
Ref: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 20e (p. 2161).
Step 2: The umbilical vein blood is shunted through the ductus venosus directly into the inferior vena cava. So the IVC carries the most oxygen-rich blood of any large vessel in fetal circulation.
Step 3: Why the others are lower. The SVC drains deoxygenated blood from the head and upper body. By the time blood reaches the right ventricle it has mixed with SVC return, and the aorta receives blood that has further mixed via the ductus arteriosus, so its oxygen content is lower than the IVC.
Ref: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 20e (p. 2161).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top NEET PG Pediatrics Questions
- A newborn presented with chest retractions, dyspnea, and lethargy. The pediatrician diagnosed the baby with respiratory distress syndrome. This occurs due to the deficiency of:
- A 10-year-old child weighing 30 kg presents with a history of loose stools for 2 days. On examination, there is severe dehydration. Laboratory investigations are as follows. What is the initial management as per ISPAD guidelines?
RBS 550mg/dL pH 7.01 Na+ 158mEq/L Urine glucose 3+
- Which of the following is the best sign to indicate adequate growth in an infant with a birth weight of 2.8 kg?
- A 3-month-old baby complains of deafness, cataract, and patent ductus arteriosus. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Chloride level in sweat is used in the diagnosis of which disease?
View More Questions
Top NEET PG Questions
- A patient hailing from Delhi presents with fever, arthralgia, and extensive petechial rash for 3 days. Lab investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 9 g/ dL, a white blood cell count of 9000 cells/mm3, a platelet count of 20000 cells/mm3, and a prolonged bleeding time. The clotting time was normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Which of the following statements is true about Trichomonas vaginalis?
- A lady from West Rajasthan presented with an ulcer surrounded by erythema on the right leg. Microscopy of the biopsy from the edge of the ulcer showed organisms with dark staining nuclei and kinetoplast. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A child presents with a fever and a rash. Urine examination showed cells with owl's eye appearance. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Infection with Clonorchis sinensis is associated with an increased risk of__?
View More Questions