Which vessel carries oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus?

• A. Umbilical vein
• B. Inferior vena cava
• C. Ductus arteriosus
• D. Umbilical artery

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the placenta in fetal circulation: The placenta is responsible for exchanging nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and the fetus.
2. Identify the vessels involved in fetal circulation: The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein.
3. Differentiate between the umbilical arteries and the umbilical vein: The umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta, while the umbilical vein carries oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus.
4. Consider the function of the inferior vena cava and ductus arteriosus: The inferior vena cava carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart, and the ductus arteriosus is a fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the lungs.
5. Conclude that the vessel carrying oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus is the umbilical vein, as it is the only vessel that fits this description in fetal circulation.