🧵 UMBILICAL CORD FORMATION👶
The umbilical cord is a vital structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, ensuring the supply of oxygen, nutrients, and removal of waste. Here’s a simple breakdown of its formation:
📌ORIGIN:
- Begins forming by the 5th week of gestation.
- Derived from the yolk sac, allantois, and connecting stalk.
- Grows in length as the fetus develops.
📌STRUCTURE OF THE UMBILICAL CORD:
- 2 Umbilical Arteries → Carry deoxygenated blood & waste from fetus to placenta.
- 1 Umbilical Vein → Carries oxygen-rich blood & nutrients from placenta to fetus.
- Wharton's Jelly → A gelatinous substance that protects the blood vessels from compression.
- Covered by amniotic membrane, making it slippery and flexible.
📌FUNCTIONS:
✅ Provides oxygen & nutrients to the fetus.
✅ Removes carbon dioxide & waste via the placenta.
✅ Acts as a cushion due to Wharton's Jelly.
✅ Plays a role in hormonal signaling between mother and fetus.
📌CHANGES AFTER BIRTH:
- Umbilical arteries → Become Medial Umbilical Ligaments.
- Umbilical vein → Becomes Ligamentum Teres (Round ligament of the liver).
- Wharton’s Jelly contracts → Clamps the cord naturally after birth.
- The stump dries & falls off in 7-10 days.
