Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is CORRECT regarding the cardiovascular system of the developing fetus?  

  1. Contractility of the heart of a foetus is independent of preload and afterload.

  2. In a foetus, blood pressure = stroke volume X heart rate.

  3. Left-to-right shunting across the duct is normal in the developing fetus.

  4. The fetal heart does not start pumping blood until 8–10 weeks because the placenta performs this function.

  5. The ductus arteriosus in the developing fetus can be kept open by the use of ibuprofen or indomethacin but these have some side effects.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Unlike stroke volume, contractility is independent of preload and afterload and is an innate property of myofibrils. It can be influenced by inotropes (e.g. dobutamine).

Keep practicing — related questions