T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta.
It is composed of:
Amniotic Epithelium - the exterior surface is covered by a simple cuboidal epithelium.
Blood Vessels - exchange oxygen, nutrients and waste products between the fetus and the placenta.
Two Umbilical Arteries - carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta.
Single Umbilical Vein - delivers oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus. It has a thick layer of circular smooth muscle unlike adult veins.
Wharton's Jelly - the blood vessels are embedded within a matrix of embryonic mucous connective tissue.
Mostly ground substance (primarily hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate) with a low abundance of collagen or reticular fibers.
Mesenchymal Cells - near the remnant of the allantois are many stellate and spindle-like (fusiform) mesenchymal cells. However, spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells are indistinguishable from resting fibroblasts.