Fetal Development & Congenital Defects

Flashcards for Perfusion, Fetal Development, Congenital Heart Defects, Spina Bifida, and Hydrocephalus

Perfusion

The mechanisms that facilitate a continuous supply of nutrients and oxygenated blood to all body cells.

Placenta, Umbilical Cord, Fetal Membranes

Structures that sustain pregnancy and the fetus.

Placenta

The organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby.

Umbilical Cord

Connects the developing fetus to the placenta.

Umbilical Cord Vessels

Two arteries and one vein.

Wharton's Jelly

A gelatinous substance inside the umbilical cord that protects and cushions the umbilical cord vessels.

Amnion

A thin membrane forming a closed sac about the embryo or fetus.

Chorion

The outermost membrane surrounding the embryo of a reptile, bird, or mammal. In mammals (including humans), it contributes to the formation of the placenta.

Oligohydramnios

A condition in pregnancy characterized by a deficiency of amniotic fluid.

Hydramnios/Polyhydramnios

The excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid.

Umbilical Vein

Deliver oxygenated blood to the fetus.

Ductus Venosus

Allows blood to bypass the liver.

Foramen Ovale

Allows blood to bypass the lungs, moving blood from the right atrium to the left atrium

Ductus Arteriosus

Allows blood to bypass the lungs, moving blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta.

Prostaglandin

A hormone-like substance involved in inflammation and blood clotting; levels decrease after birth.

ASD

Atrial Septal Defect

VSD

Ventricular Septal Defect

PDA

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

PS

Pulmonary Stenosis

COA

Coarctation of Aorta

HLHS

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

TOF

Tetralogy of Fallot

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

The foramen ovale does not close resulting in an opening between the right and left atrium. Blood is shunted from the left atrium to the right atrium causing increased pulmonary blood flow.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

The septum between the right and left ventricles does not form properly resulting in an opening between the right and left ventricles. Increased pressure in the left ventricle shunts blood from the left ventricle to the right ventricle causing increased pulmonary blood flow.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

The ductus arteriosus does not close resulting in blood shunting from the aorta to the pulmonary arteries, increasing pulmonary blood flow.

Spina Bifida

A neural tube defect characterized by incomplete closure of the spinal cord.

Hydrocephalus

A condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up within the ventricles (fluid-containing cavities) of the brain and may increase pressure within the head.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

A shunt placed to help alleviate pressure of CSF.