When the umbilical cord is cut, a number of changes occur in the baby's respiratory and circulatory systems. Which of the following is NOT part of this physiologic process?
Explanation
Answer: C - The first breath is likely caused by a change in temperature and environment, and is not caused by pain. In fact, there are no nerve endings in the umbilical cord, so neither baby nor mom feel when it is cut. With the first breath of air, the lungs expand, the amniotic fluid that had filled them in utero is absorbed, and normal respiration begins. Fetal blood circulation went from the placenta through the umbilical cord to the baby's liver and then to the fetal heart. With the cord no longer providing oxygen and nutrients, the newborn's system quickly rearranges by closing the foramen ovale as well as the patent ductus arteriosus.to allow the baby's own lungs to supply oxygen to the bloodstream and for the heart to be the major exchange station for new and old blood, including.
