Umbilical arteries

Definition

Umbilical arteries are two blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta during pregnancy. They play a crucial role in fetal circulation by ensuring that waste is efficiently removed to be processed by the maternal system.

Related terms

Placenta: The organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, allowing nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply.

Umbilical Vein: A single vein that carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta back to the fetus.

Fetal Circulation: The circulatory system in a fetus that includes special structures like the umbilical arteries and vein, ductus arteriosus, and foramen ovale, which are unique to fetal life and undergo changes after birth