What is the main function of the umbilical cord?

• A. It carries oxygen to the fetus.
• B. It contains blood vessels connecting fetus and placenta.
• C. It protects the fetus from infection.
• D. It stores nutrients for the fetus.

Answer: (B)

The main function of the umbilical cord is to contain blood vessels that connect the fetus to the placenta. This connection is crucial for the exchange of essential substances between the mother and fetus. The umbilical cord typically includes two arteries and one vein. The arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products away from the fetus to the placenta, while the vein transports oxygenated blood rich in nutrients from the placenta back to the fetus. This vital circulation supports fetal development by supplying oxygen and nutrients while also facilitating waste removal, outlining the critical role of the umbilical cord in prenatal development. The other options do not fully capture this central function, as the umbilical cord’s primary role is centered around connecting the fetus to the placenta through these blood vessels.