Umbilical cord

Umbilical Cord

The umbilical cord is a conduit between the developing embryo or fetus and the placenta. During prenatal development, the umbilical cord is the lifeline that supplies the fetus with nutrients and oxygen from the mother's blood and removes waste products.

Structure

The umbilical cord typically contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, encased in a gelatinous substance known as Wharton's jelly. The arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta, while the vein carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus.

Development

The umbilical cord forms around the fifth week of gestation and continues to develop throughout pregnancy. It reaches its full length, typically between 50 and 60 centimeters, by the time of birth. The cord is attached to the fetus at the umbilicus and to the placenta at the other end.

Function

The primary function of the umbilical cord is to transport oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus and to carry waste products away from the fetus to the placenta. This exchange occurs through the blood vessels within the cord.

Clinical Significance

Umbilical Cord Complications

Complications involving the umbilical cord can occur during pregnancy and delivery. These include:

• Nuchal cord: When the umbilical cord wraps around the fetus's neck.
• True knot: A knot in the cord that can restrict blood flow.
• Cord prolapse: When the cord slips ahead of the presenting part of the fetus during delivery.

Umbilical Cord Blood

Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, which can be used in medical treatments such as bone marrow transplants. Cord blood banking is an option for parents who wish to store their newborn's cord blood for potential future use.

Related Pages

• Placenta
• Fetal circulation
• Childbirth
• Neonatal care

References

• Moore, K. L., & Persaud, T. V. N. (2003). The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology. Saunders.
• Sadler, T. W. (2012). Langman's Medical Embryology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Gallery

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  Umbilical cord
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  Cross section of the umbilical cord
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  8 weeks 3 days with umbilical cord
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  Knotted umbilical cord
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  Cutting the umbilical cord during a Caesarean section
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  Umbilical cord clamp
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  Newborn infant
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  Detached umbilical cord
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  Gray's Anatomy illustration
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  Gray's Anatomy illustration
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  Newborn umbilical suction
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  Slide of umbilical cord
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  Umbilical cord