Umbilicus cord (fetal circulation) contains:
A. Two arteries and two veins
B. Two arteries and one veins
C. Two veins and one artery
D. One artery and one vein
Correct Answer: B. Two arteries and one veins
Explanation
Umbilical cord (fetal circulation) contains:
👉 Two arteries and one vein
Explanation
The umbilical cord is the lifeline between the fetus and the placenta and plays a vital role in fetal circulation. It normally contains three blood vessels:
1. Two umbilical arteries
- Carry deoxygenated blood and waste products (like carbon dioxide and urea)
- Blood flows from the fetus to the placenta
- These arteries arise from the internal iliac arteries of the fetus
2. One umbilical vein
- Carries oxygenated blood and nutrients
- Blood flows from the placenta to the fetus
- Supplies oxygen and nutrients essential for fetal growth
Key Point to Remember
Although in adult circulation arteries usually carry oxygenated blood, in fetal circulation the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood, and the umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood.
Correct Answer
✅ Two arteries and one vein
This is the normal structure of the umbilical cord in fetal circulation.
Other Options Details
This question is about the number of blood vessels in the umbilical cord.
Let’s describe all options clearly:
A. Two arteries and two veins
- This arrangement does not occur normally.
- The umbilical cord never has two veins.
- Therefore, this option is incorrect.
B. Two arteries and one vein ✅ (Correct / Normal)
- This is the normal structure of the umbilical cord.
- Two umbilical arteries:
- Carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta.
- One umbilical vein:
- Carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus.
- This arrangement is essential for fetal circulation.
C. Two veins and one artery
- This configuration does not exist physiologically.
- Umbilical circulation includes only one vein, not two.
- Hence, this option is incorrect.
D. One artery and one vein
- This pattern is abnormal.
- It may be seen in rare conditions like a single umbilical artery (SUA).
- SUA can be associated with congenital anomalies of the heart, kidneys, or chromosomal defects.
- This option is not normal, but clinically important.
Summary
- Normal umbilical cord: 👉 Two arteries and one vein (Option B)
- Other options represent abnormal or nonexistent structures.
I hope that you liked this article.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group