Waste removal as well as oxygen exchange occur through the placenta. At birth, the baby's body must suddenly adjust to new processes for sustaining life in its new environment.
Blood is pumped through the umbilical cord and placenta for waste excretion and oxygen exchange.
This is a vascular link between the vessels that normally supply blood to the lungs for gaseous exchange, and the aorta, which is the main vessel supplying oxygenated blood to the body. An opening between the atriums of the heart. It facilitates movement of oxygenated blood through the fetus' body. Ductus venosus - A vessel leading from the liver to a larger vessel called the inferior vena cava. Umbilical vein - The vessel leading from the umbilical cord to the liver.