Umbilical Cord: A Comprehensive Review
The umbilical cord is a vital part of the human development process as it provides nutrition and oxygen to the developing fetus. It also serves as a conduit for the removal of metabolic waste products from the fetus and the mother. This review provides an overview of the umbilical cord, its anatomy, histology, physiology, and clinical aspects.
Anatomy
The umbilical cord is a tubular structure that connects the fetus to the placenta and is composed of three vessels: two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. The umbilical arteries originate from the iliac arteries and carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta. The umbilical vein carries oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus. It also carries hormones and other substances from the placenta to the fetus. The umbilical cord is usually about 50-60 cm long and 1-2 cm in diameter (Mertsch et al., 2018).
Histology
The umbilical cord is composed of a core of loose connective tissue surrounded by a continuous layer of amnion. The connective tissue core contains the umbilical arteries and vein as well as Wharton’s jelly, a gel-like substance made of proteins and glycoproteins that gives the umbilical cord its flexibility and strength (Mertsch et al., 2018).
Physiology
The umbilical cord is essential for fetal development as it serves as the conduit for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products between the mother and the fetus. The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus, while the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and metabolic waste products from the fetus to the placenta (Mertsch et al., 2018).
Clinical Aspects
The umbilical cord is susceptible to several disorders, including umbilical cord prolapse, cord entanglement, and vasa previa. Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord is pushed out of the uterus and becomes compressed between the fetus and the cervix during labor. This can lead to decreased oxygen and nutrient supply and can be life-threatening for the fetus. Cord entanglement occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the fetus’s neck or body and can lead to decreased oxygen and nutrient supply. Vasa previa is a condition where the umbilical cord vessels cross the cervix and may rupture during labor, leading to fetal death (Mertsch et al., 2018).
Conclusion
The umbilical cord is a vital structure in the human development process, as it serves as the conduit for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products between the mother and the fetus. It is also susceptible to several disorders, which can be life-threatening for the fetus. This review provides an overview of the anatomy, histology, physiology, and clinical aspects of the umbilical cord.
References
Mertsch, K., Rückert, M., Torricelli, A., & Kaulfers, P. (2018). The umbilical cord: Anatomy, histology, physiology, and clinical aspects. Placenta, 64, 85-95.