Where cord attached in q battledore placenta
A. Only to the membranes of the placenta
B. Unattended to the placenta
C. To the centre of the placenta
D. To the placenta margin
Correct Answer: D. To the placenta margin
Explanation
Battledore placenta refers to an abnormal insertion of the umbilical cord.
Where is the cord attached?
👉 The umbilical cord is attached at the margin (edge) of the placenta, not in the center.
Explanation
- Normally, the umbilical cord inserts centrally into the placenta.
- In battledore placenta, the cord insertion is marginal, resembling the handle of a badminton bat (battledore)—hence the name.
- The cord inserts within 2 cm of the placental edge.
Key points
- Type of abnormal cord insertion
- Cord attached to edge of placenta
- Usually asymptomatic but may be associated with:
- Reduced fetal blood flow
- Fetal growth restriction (sometimes)
One-line answer (for exams)
In battledore placenta, the umbilical cord is attached to the margin of the placenta.
Other Options Details
These options describe sites of umbilical cord attachment. Explanation of each:
A. Only to the membranes of the placenta
- This refers to Velamentous insertion.
- The umbilical cord attaches to the fetal membranes (amnion/chorion) instead of the placental disc.
- Blood vessels then travel unprotected to the placenta → risk of vessel rupture and fetal hemorrhage.
B. Unattached to the placenta
- This is not a normal or correct anatomical condition.
- The umbilical cord must attach either to the placenta or its membranes.
- So this option is incorrect.
C. To the centre of the placenta
- This is Central insertion (normal type).
- The cord attaches near the center of the placental disc.
- It is the most common and safest attachment.
D. To the placenta margin
- This is Battledore placenta (marginal insertion).
- The umbilical cord is attached at the edge (margin) of the placenta.
- Usually less serious but can be associated with growth restriction.
Summary
- Velamentous insertion → Option A
- Normal (central insertion) → Option C
- Battledore placenta → Option D
- Incorrect option → B
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group