Pathology
Images
Fetopathology and developmental pathology of the embryo and fetus
Marta Ježová, Josef Feit et al.
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+ Introduction
+ Support
+ Atlas of fetal pathology
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.