What process describes the movement of oxygen from the mother to the fetus?

The movement of oxygen from the mother to the fetus is best described by diffusion. This process involves the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the context of fetal development, oxygen present in the maternal blood travels across the placenta where the concentration of oxygen is higher in the maternal blood than in the fetal blood. As a result, oxygen molecules naturally move through the placental barrier into the fetal circulation, where the concentration of oxygen is lower.

This principle of diffusion is crucial for fetal wellbeing, as it ensures that the developing fetus receives the necessary oxygen to support its growth and development. Understanding diffusion highlights the reliance of fetal oxygenation on the concentration gradients established through maternal blood flow and the unique physiology of the placenta.