In the three vessel view, which vessel is typically smallest?

Prepare for the Fetal Echocardiography Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions that come with hints and explanations. Ace your exam preparation!

Multiple Choice

In the three vessel view, which vessel is typically smallest?

In the three vessel view you’re comparing the calibers of the major vessels that head toward the upper body: the pulmonary artery, the ascending aorta, and the superior vena cava. In a normal fetus, the arterial vessels carry larger volumes of blood and thus have larger lumens, while the superior vena cava is a thinner-walled venous channel with a smaller cross-sectional area. Even though the lungs aren’t used for oxygenation in utero and some blood is diverted via the ductus arteriosus, the SVC remains the smallest among these vessels. So, the vessel that is typically smallest in this view is the superior vena cava.

In the three vessel view you’re comparing the calibers of the major vessels that head toward the upper body: the pulmonary artery, the ascending aorta, and the superior vena cava. In a normal fetus, the arterial vessels carry larger volumes of blood and thus have larger lumens, while the superior vena cava is a thinner-walled venous channel with a smaller cross-sectional area. Even though the lungs aren’t used for oxygenation in utero and some blood is diverted via the ductus arteriosus, the SVC remains the smallest among these vessels. So, the vessel that is typically smallest in this view is the superior vena cava.

More practice questions