Fetal heart

Fetal Heart

The fetal heart is an essential organ that develops in the embryo during pregnancy. It begins to form soon after conception and is fully functional by the end of the first trimester. The fetal heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body of the developing fetus, providing it with the necessary oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow.

Structure

The fetal heart is similar in structure to the adult heart, but it has some unique features that allow it to function in the uterus. It consists of four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The walls of these chambers are made up of cardiac muscle cells, which contract to pump blood.

Development

The development of the fetal heart begins in the third week of gestation with the formation of the cardiac tube, a simple tube-like structure. This tube then folds and divides into the four chambers of the heart. By the end of the fifth week, the heart begins to beat and pump blood.

Function

The primary function of the fetal heart is to pump blood to the developing fetus. However, because the fetus obtains oxygen and nutrients from the mother through the placenta, the fetal heart has a unique circulation pattern. The foramen ovale and the ductus arteriosus are two structures that allow blood to bypass the lungs, which are not yet functional.

Health and Monitoring

The health of the fetal heart is a critical aspect of prenatal care. Ultrasound is commonly used to monitor the heart's structure and function. Any abnormalities in the heart's development can lead to congenital heart defects, which are the most common type of birth defect.

See Also

• Heart
• Cardiac cycle
• Congenital heart defect
• Prenatal care

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