When the umbilical cord is cut:
A) blood flows through the infants lungs more vigorously.
B) lungs fill with air.
C) closure of the foramen ovale occurs
D) closure of the ductus arteriosus occurs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lungs fill with air at the infant's initial first gasp. The closure of the foramen ovale occurs within minutes after birth and closure of the ductus arteriosus occurs when arterial blood flows through the lung and there is increased oxygen tension. Once the umbilical cord is cut, there is a decrease in maternal blood causing an increase in blood in the infant lungs.

When the Umbilical Cord Is Cut