The term "funiculus umbilicalis" refers to the cord that connects a fetus to its placenta. It is a Latin term that may appear difficult to spell at first glance, but can be broken down phonetically. "Funiculus" is pronounced "fuˈnɪkjʊləs" and "umbilicalis" is pronounced "ˌʌmbɪˈlaɪkəlɪs." The stress falls on the second syllable of "funiculus" and the third syllable of "umbilicalis." Understanding the phonetic breakdown of this medical terminology can aid in proper spelling and pronunciation.
The term "funiculus umbilicalis" refers to a structure in human anatomy that is commonly known as the umbilical cord. This cord is a flexible, tube-like structure that connects a developing fetus to the placenta in the mother's womb during pregnancy. It serves as the vital link between the fetus and the placenta, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between them.
The funiculus umbilicalis is composed of three blood vessels: two arteries and one vein. The arteries are responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta, while the vein carries oxygenated blood and vital nutrients from the placenta back to the fetus. These blood vessels are encased by a gelatinous substance called Wharton's jelly, which provides protection and support to the vessels.
The funiculus umbilicalis measures around 50 to 60 centimeters in length and has a diameter of approximately 2 centimeters. It is typically coiled and contains a spiral arrangement of the blood vessels, allowing it to expand and accommodate the growing fetus.
After the birth of the baby, the funiculus umbilicalis is clamped and cut, separating the newborn from the placenta. The leftover stump of the umbilical cord eventually dries up, forms a small scar-like structure known as the umbilical remnant or belly button, and falls off within a week or two.
Umbilical cord, a cord of fibro-mucoid substance (Wharton's jelly), containing the umbilical vein and the umbilical arteries, which connects the fetus with the placenta.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "funiculus" has its roots in Latin and means "a small rope" or "a cord". It was derived from the Latin word "funis", which means "rope" or "cable".
The term "umbilicalis" also comes from Latin and is derived from the word "umbilicus", meaning "navel" or "belly button".
Therefore, "funiculus umbilicalis" combines these two Latin terms to refer to the "umbilical cord" that connects a developing fetus to the placenta in the uterus.