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Multiple Choice

The ductus venosus shunt allows blood to bypass which organ?

In fetal circulation, the ductus venosus directs highly oxygenated blood from the placenta into the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver. This shunt allows more of that rich blood to reach the heart and, subsequently, the brain and vital organs. After birth, it closes as placental circulation ends, and the liver regains its normal blood flow. So, the organ bypassed by this shunt is the liver.

In fetal circulation, the ductus venosus directs highly oxygenated blood from the placenta into the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver. This shunt allows more of that rich blood to reach the heart and, subsequently, the brain and vital organs. After birth, it closes as placental circulation ends, and the liver regains its normal blood flow. So, the organ bypassed by this shunt is the liver.