Which blood vessel carries oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus?

The umbilical vein is responsible for transporting oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus. During pregnancy, the placenta serves as the site for nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and the developing fetus. The blood in the umbilical vein is replenished with oxygen and nutrients from the mother's circulation before it makes its way to the fetal system.

This rich supply of oxygen is crucial for the growth and development of the fetus, as the fetal circulatory system relies heavily on this oxygenated blood. It is important to note that the umbilical artery, in contrast, carries deoxygenated blood from the fetus back to the placenta; therefore, it does not serve the same function. The inferior vena cava and the pulmonary artery are involved in the adult heart's blood circulation but do not participate in the direct transport of blood from the placenta to the fetus during gestation.