After birth, the umbilical vein collapses and forms?

Appeared in: Daman & Diu Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

After birth, the umbilical vein, which carried oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus, is no longer needed and collapses.
It undergoes fibrosis and transforms into a fibrous cord known as the ligamentum teres hepatis, also called the round ligament of the liver.
This ligament runs from the umbilicus (navel) to the porta hepatis, situated within the free edge of the falciform ligament of the liver.

Option A: The ligamentum arteriosum is the remnant of the ductus arteriosus, not the umbilical vein.
Option B: The ligamentum venosum is the remnant of the ductus venosus, a shunt that connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava in the fetus.
Option C: Ligamentum umbilicus is not a standard anatomical term for a specific remnant. The umbilical arteries become the medial umbilical ligaments.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Fetal circulation and postnatal anatomical remnants as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the transformation of fetal circulatory structures is fundamental for assessing a newborn's successful transition to extrauterine life.
Failure of these fetal shunts to close after birth leads to congenital heart defects. For example, a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can cause respiratory distress and pulmonary hypertension.
In adults with severe portal hypertension (e.g., due to liver cirrhosis), the ligamentum teres can recanalize, allowing the umbilical vein to reopen. This provides a natural (though insufficient) portosystemic shunt to relieve pressure.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on anatomy and physiology.
First, identify the key anatomical structure mentioned in the question stem, which is the 'umbilical vein'.
Next, recall the major circulatory changes that occur at birth when the baby transitions from placental oxygenation to pulmonary respiration.
Systematically review the options provided, recalling the adult remnant for each major fetal vessel.
Match the 'umbilical vein' to its correct remnant, which is the 'ligamentum teres'.
Eliminate the other options by identifying their corresponding fetal structures: ligamentum arteriosum (from ductus arteriosus) and ligamentum venosum (from ductus venosus).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 2 p. 59-61

Practise the full Daman & Diu Staff Nurse - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.