fetal circulation

noun

: the course of the blood in the vessels of the fetus, impure blood passing in man and the higher mammals to the placenta by the umbilical arteries, returning purified and charged with nutriment by the umbilical vein, and entering the inferior vena cava either directly by the ductus venosus or after passing through the liver

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now