Umbilical Cord‘s Spiral Shape Crucial for Fetal Health, Study Reveals
manchester, UK – The distinctive coiled shape of the umbilical cord isn’t just a biological quirk - it’s a vital mechanism for maintaining stable oxygen and temperature levels for developing babies, according to groundbreaking research from The University of Manchester. Published today in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, the study sheds light on a previously underappreciated aspect of prenatal progress.
Researchers at The University of Manchester, working alongside colleagues at Manchester St Mary’s Hospital and the University of Malaysia, employed mathematical modelling to investigate how the umbilical cord’s spiral structure impacts the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and heat between mother and fetus.
Their findings demonstrate that the spiral arrangement of blood vessels within the cord significantly influences this exchange, minimizing heat and oxygen loss. This efficient system helps ensure a baby’s temperature and oxygen levels remain stable throughout gestation.
“Even though the umbilical cord is essential to life, scientists still know little about how its complex coiled structure contributes to its function,” explained researchers in the published study. “Thes new findings shed light on an overlooked but vital process.”
The research underscores the intricate biological engineering at play during pregnancy and opens avenues for further investigation into potential complications arising from variations in umbilical cord structure.
