Understanding neonatal anatomy and physiology

An understanding of neonatal physiology shapes an individual’s approach to the care they deliver to the patient (Griffiths et al, 2021). Therefore, it is important to understand neonatal-specific anatomy and physiology with the aim of accurately differentiating between a ‘normal’ assessment and any potential abnormalities (Petty, 2011a). The neonatal period is one of dramatic physiological changes. Transition of a newborn baby to extra-uterine life is a critical time to adapt to life outside the uterus (Doherty et al, 2023). Respiratory and cardiovascular systems change immediately at birth (Table 1.1, Figure 1.1), while other systems evolve and change throughout neonatal life and infancy until early childhood, continuing until the transition from intrauterine to adult physiology is complete. Thus, physiology is different in young children, especially in neonates and infants, from that of older children and adults (Saikia and Mahanta, 2019) (Table 1.2).