The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and measures approximately 50 cm in length and 2 cm in diameter at term. It contains one vein that carries oxygenated blood to the fetus and two arteries that carry deoxygenated blood away. The cord inserts into the placenta near its center in most cases. Abnormalities can include abnormal insertion points, short or long length, knots, torsion, hematoma, or having a single umbilical artery instead of two.

1. The Umbilical Cordwww.freelivedoctor.com

2. AnatomyOrigin: It develops from the connecting stalk.Length: At term, it measures about 50 cm.Diameter: 2 cm.www.freelivedoctor.com

3. Structure: It consists of mesodermal connective tissue called Wharton's jelly, covered by amnion. It contains: * one umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the foetus, * two umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the foetus to the placenta, remnants of the yolk sac and allantois.www.freelivedoctor.com

4. Insertion: The cord is inserted in the foetal surface of the placenta near the center "eccentric insertion" (70%) or at the center "central insertion" (30%).www.freelivedoctor.com

5. Abnormalities of the Umbilical Cordwww.freelivedoctor.com

6. Abnormal cord insertion * Marginal insertion: in the placenta (battledore insertion). * Velamentous insertion: in the membranes and vessels connect the cord to the edge of the placenta. If these vessels pass at the region of the internal os, the condition is called " vasapraevia". Vasapraevia can occur also when the vessels connecting a succenturiate lobe with the main placenta pass at the region of the internal os.www.freelivedoctor.com

7. Abnormal cord lengthwww.freelivedoctor.com

8. Short cord which may lead to: * intrapartumhaemorrhage due to premature separation of the placenta, * delayed descent of the foetus during labour, * inversion of the uterus.www.freelivedoctor.com

9. Long cord which may lead to: * cord presentation and cord prolapse, * coiling of the cord around the neck, * true knots of the cord.www.freelivedoctor.com

10. Knots of the cord * True knot: when the foetus passes through a loop of the cord. If pulled tight, foetal asphyxia may result. * False knot: localised collection of Wharton’s jelly containing a loop of umbilical vessels.www.freelivedoctor.com

11. Torsion of the cordIt may occur particularly in the portion near the foetus where the Wharton's jelly is less abundant.www.freelivedoctor.com

12. HaematomaDue to rupture of one of the umbilical vessels.www.freelivedoctor.com

13. Single umbilical arteryIt may be associated with other foetal congenital anomalies.www.freelivedoctor.com