3 Main Functions of the Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord plays a main role during pregnancy since it connects the developing fetus to the mother. It plays three main functions in the developing fetus. The first function is that it is to supply oxygen, deliver nutrients, and also help to withdraw blood which is depleted in nutrients and rich in carbon dioxide.
Historically, the umbilical cord is developing from two separate fetal origins. This cord is contained in the allantois and also the yolk sack. This condition causes the fetal tissue to form the allantois and the yolk sack. Therefore, they are thought of as a part of the fetus.
Then, what are the functions of the umbilical cord? Mainly, it has three different functions. The first function is that it can serve the fetus as a blood source. It is very important since the fetus is not able to breathe. It does not have either functioning lungs or an oxygen source. Also, it serves the fetus oxygen through the blood to serve the life of the fetus.
The second main function of the umbilical cord is that it is to serve the fetus a nutrient source such as proteins, calories, and fats as well. In addition, it is also able to serve nutrients and also vitamins.
The last function of this cord is that it can transfer the deoxygenated and waste products away from the fetus. It transfers those substances to the maternal circulation in which they can be processed and then excreted.
Then, what are the features that the umbilical cord has? It is made of a substance which is known as Wharton’s Jelly, connective tissue, or skin. It carries some features such as one vein which has two arteries and oxygenated blood. The vein of the umbilical goes along the way to the liver of the fetus. Here, it splits become two parts. One part of this vein is to supply blood to the hepatic portal vein. It works to supply blood to the liver.
The other one is called the ductus venosus. It supplies blood to the whole human body by up 80%. It allows vital nutrients such as oxygen to flow all over the fetus.
The umbilical cord is the main defining feature of all mammals. In humans, it is commonly severed after birth. Yet, most mammals lack of the surgical equipment and dexterity to manage this cord. Animals have different ways of coping with it. Some of them chew it off and some others let it dry and decompose naturally.
