Umbilical cord
Introduction:
During pregnancy, the fetus cannot breathe, eat, or remove waste on its own. Instead, it depends entirely on the placenta. The organ that physically links the fetus to the placenta is the umbilical cord. It forms early in development (around week 5) and grows throughout pregnancy, usually reaching 50–60 cm in length by birth. Because of its protected structure, the cord can bend, twist, and stretch without cutting off blood flow.
Definition:
The umbilical cord is a flexible, tube-like structure that connects a developing fetus to the placenta. It contains blood vessels that transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste between the fetus and the placenta, acting as the fetus’s lifeline during pregnancy.
Structure:
• One umbilical vein – carries oxygen-rich, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus.
• Two umbilical arteries – carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus back to the placenta.
• Wharton’s jelly – a thick, jelly-like connective tissue that cushions and protects the vessels.
• Outer membrane – a smooth amniotic covering that protects the cord’s surface.
Functions:
• Transport of oxygen: The cord delivers oxygen from the placenta to the fetus, which cannot use its lungs yet.
• Nutrient supply: Glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals travel through the cord to support growth.
• Waste removal: Carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products move from fetal circulation to the placenta.
• Immune transfer: Antibodies from the mother can pass through the cord to help protect the fetus.
Importance:
• It allows the fetus to survive and develop by providing every essential resource.
• Protects the blood vessels so they keep working even when the fetus moves or the uterus contracts.
• Maintains a stable connection to the placenta, ensuring constant support from the mother’s body.