Pathology of the umbilical cord
Introduction
- Normal umbilical cord:
- length — mean length at term is 55 – 60 cm
- twisting — counter-clockwise in majority, loose twists, normal cord shows 1 twist per 5 cm
- insertion — central or eccentric in 90 %
- colour — pale
- false knots — formed by ectatic vessels or exuberant Whartons jelly.
- Maceration artifacts:
- red-brown discoloration
- thinning and elongation is seen in small macerated fetuses
Histology
3 umbilical vessels — 2 arteries and 1 vein in
loose myxoid tissue (Whartons jelly). Ensheathed by amnion.