Question

Umbilical cord is made up of
a. Reticular fibres
b. Connective tissue cells
c. Mucoid connective tissue
d. All of the above

Answer 1

The umbilical cord, also known as the birth cord or the funiculus umbilicalis serves as the conduit between the developing embryo or fetus and the placenta in placental mammals. It is a vital structure with regard to development and recent studies or research have paved the ways for even larger uses of the umbilical cord.

Complete answer:
Let us know about the basic structure of the umbilical cord.
- The umbilical cord is the channel through which transfer of materials to and from the maternal blood without direct mixing is achieved. The umbilical cord is not directly connected to the maternal circulatory system, but instead joins placenta.
- The allantois and yolk sac serve as the source material for the development of the umbilical cord and the cord contains remnants of the same. It normally contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein which are buried within the Wharton’s jelly, which is a mucoid connective tissue.
- Umbilical cord also contains mature connective tissue cells such as chondrocytes.
- Reticular fibres are found sparse in the extracellular matrix.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: It is noteworthy to mention that the umbilical vein supply the nutrient-rich and oxygenated blood to the fetus, while the umbilical arteries carry low oxygenated and nutrient depleted blood from the fetus to the placenta and finally to the maternal circulation.
- Umbilical cord (umbilical cord lining precisely) is a good source of stem cells, mainly epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells and thus, hold a great potential to be used as a therapeutic source for a myriad of diseases.
- The ethical issues concerned with the embryonic stem cells can also be overcome by the use of umbilical cord as a potent source of stem cells.