How many arteries and veins are in the umbilical cord?

How many arteries and veins are in the umbilical cord?

• A. 2 arteries, 1 vein
• B. 1 artery, 2 veins
• C. 2 arteries, 2 veins
• D. 3 arteries, 1 vein

Answer: (A)

Normal fetal umbilical cord anatomy consists of two arteries and one vein. The two arteries carry blood away from the fetus to the placenta, while the single vein brings oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta back to the fetus. This arrangement supports efficient gas and nutrient exchange between mother and fetus. While variations like a single umbilical artery can occur and may be associated with other conditions, the typical pattern is two arteries and one vein.

Normal fetal umbilical cord anatomy consists of two arteries and one vein. The two arteries carry blood away from the fetus to the placenta, while the single vein brings oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta back to the fetus. This arrangement supports efficient gas and nutrient exchange between mother and fetus. While variations like a single umbilical artery can occur and may be associated with other conditions, the typical pattern is two arteries and one vein.