Umbilical Cord (Funis)

UMBILICAL CORD (FUNIS)

•            Usually it is attached near the center of the fetal surface of placenta. The cord extends from the umbilicus of the fetus to the fetal surface of the placenta.

•            Length: About 40- 50 cm and 20 cm wide.

•            Contains two arteries and one vein, surrounded by clear gelatinous substances and gives support to the cord and prevent compression of the cord is called (Wharton jelly).

•            Two arteries that bring waste products and deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta and the vein carries oxygenated and nourished blood from the placenta to the fetus. The blood flow through the cord is around 400 ml/mt. At birth when the lungs start to work the function of the placenta ceases.

•            The vessels are longer than the cord and may have loops (false knots).