What is the embryonic heart?

The embryonic heart is the template for cardiac growth and septation during the transition to the definitive four-chambered heart.

How does the fetal heart differ from the human heart?

The heart structure of the fetus differs from the normal postnatal heart in that there is an opening in the atrial septum called the foramen ovale (FO in diagram). This allows most of the blood that enters the right atrium to flow into the left atrium instead of into the right ventricle.

What major events distinguish embryonic and fetal development?

The embryonic period is all about the formation of important systems of the body. Think of it as your baby’s basic foundation and framework. The fetal period, on the other hand, is more about growth and development so your baby can survive in the outside world.

Why is it important for the heart to develop first in an embryo?

The cells also produce waste that they need to get rid of. Thus, the first organ system to develop is the heart, blood and circulatory system, so that nutrients and waste can be transported throughout the growing embryo. The heart continues carrying out this same vital job throughout our lives.

How does the cardiac cycle differ in the fetus?

The fetus does not use its own lungs until birth, so its circulatory system is different from that of a newborn baby. Before birth, the fetal heart does not have to pump blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. In other words, the fetal heart does not need a separate pulmonary artery and aorta.

How does a baby’s heart change after birth?

The umbilical cord is clamped and the baby no longer receives oxygen and nutrients from the mother. With the first breaths of air, the lungs start to expand, and the ductus arteriosus and the foramen ovale both close. The baby’s circulation and blood flow through the heart now function like an adult’s.

What two modifications to the circulatory system are found in developing embryos?

Three major shunts found in the fetus are the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus, which divert blood from the pulmonary to the systemic circuit, and the ductus venosus, which carries freshly oxygenated blood high in nutrients to the fetal heart.

How the chambers of heart are divided during embryonic period?

The truncus arteriosus will divide to form the aorta and pulmonary artery; the bulbus cordis will develop into the right ventricle; the primitive ventricle will form the left ventricle; the primitive atrium will become the front parts of the left and right atria and their appendages, and the sinus venosus will develop …

How long does it take for the heart to develop in a fetus?

Just four weeks after conception, the neural tube along your baby’s back is closing. The baby’s brain and spinal cord will develop from the neural tube. The heart and other organs also are starting to form.