Umbilical vein

Umbilical vein

The Umbilical vein is a vein present during fetal development that carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the growing fetus. It is part of the umbilical cord, which also includes two umbilical arteries.

Structure

The umbilical vein is located within the umbilical cord. It begins at the placenta and travels towards the fetus, where it enters the body at the umbilicus, or navel. Inside the body, the umbilical vein continues as the ductus venosus, a shunt that allows the blood to bypass the liver and enter the inferior vena cava.

Function

The primary function of the umbilical vein is to carry oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus. This blood provides the fetus with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow and develop.

Clinical significance

After birth, the umbilical vein and the ductus venosus close off and become fibrous cords. The part of the umbilical vein that remains in the liver becomes the round ligament of the liver. In some cases, the umbilical vein may remain open, a condition known as patent ductus venosus.

See also

• Umbilical artery
• Umbilical cord
• Ductus venosus
• Placenta
• Fetal circulation

References

Umbilical vein Resources
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