Which statement regarding the structure of the umbilical cord is accurate?

Which statement regarding the structure of the umbilical cord is accurate?

• A. The umbilical cord supplies maternal blood to the fetal circulation.
• B. The umbilical cord contains one artery and two veins.
• C. The umbilical cord contains both fetal and maternal blood.
• D. The umbilical cord supplies oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus.

Answer: (D)

The umbilical cord serves as a vital lifeline between the developing fetus and the placenta, which is key in facilitating the exchange of nutrients and oxygen. The correct statement emphasizes that the umbilical cord supplies oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus. Within the umbilical cord, there are typically two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. The single vein carries oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus, while the two arteries return deoxygenated blood and waste products back to the placenta. This arrangement is essential for fetal development, as it ensures the fetus receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for growth and sustenance. Understanding this function clarifies why the statement about oxygen supply from the placenta to the fetus is accurate, as it directly highlights the flow of oxygenated blood, which is crucial for the fetus's survival and development.

The umbilical cord serves as a vital lifeline between the developing fetus and the placenta, which is key in facilitating the exchange of nutrients and oxygen. The correct statement emphasizes that the umbilical cord supplies oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus.

Within the umbilical cord, there are typically two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. The single vein carries oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus, while the two arteries return deoxygenated blood and waste products back to the placenta. This arrangement is essential for fetal development, as it ensures the fetus receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for growth and sustenance.

Understanding this function clarifies why the statement about oxygen supply from the placenta to the fetus is accurate, as it directly highlights the flow of oxygenated blood, which is crucial for the fetus's survival and development.