Oxygenated blood is carried to the fetus through which vessel?

Oxygenated blood is transported to the fetus through the umbilical vein. This vessel plays a crucial role in fetal circulation by carrying oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the developing fetus. The placenta is responsible for gas exchange, where maternal blood supplies nutrients and oxygen, and the waste products from the fetus are transferred back into the mother's circulation.

In the context of fetal development, the umbilical vein is vital, as it is one of the key pathways that sustains the fetus by ensuring it receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients needed for growth. The umbilical arteries, in contrast, carry deoxygenated blood away from the fetus back to the placenta. The placenta itself is the organ involved in the exchange process but is not a blood vessel. Cord blood refers to the blood remaining in the umbilical cord after birth, which may be collected for medical purposes but does not pertain to the immediate function of delivering oxygenated blood to the fetus during pregnancy.