Wharton's jelly

Wharton's Jelly is a gelatinous substance found within the umbilical cord, specifically in the space between the amniotic membrane and the umbilical vessels. It is named after the English physician Thomas Wharton, who first described it in the 17th century.

Composition

Wharton's Jelly is primarily composed of water, but also contains proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, and fibroblasts. These components contribute to its unique physical properties, which include resistance to compression and the ability to resist the twisting and bending forces that occur during fetal movement.

Function

The primary function of Wharton's Jelly is to protect the blood vessels of the umbilical cord from compression, which could potentially cut off the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. It also provides a supportive framework for the umbilical vessels, helping to maintain their structural integrity.

Clinical Significance

Wharton's Jelly has been found to contain mesenchymal stem cells, which have the potential to differentiate into a variety of cell types, including bone cells, cartilage cells, and fat cells. This has led to interest in the potential use of Wharton's Jelly in regenerative medicine, particularly in the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease.

Research

Research into the potential uses of Wharton's Jelly is ongoing. Current areas of interest include its potential use in tissue engineering, due to its rich supply of extracellular matrix components and stem cells, and its potential use as a natural scaffold in regenerative medicine.

See Also

• Umbilical cord
• Mesenchymal stem cell
• Regenerative medicine