What is the primary component of the umbilical cord?

The primary component of the umbilical cord is blood vessels. The umbilical cord typically contains one umbilical vein and two umbilical arteries, which play a crucial role in the transportation of nutrients and oxygen from the placenta to the developing fetus, as well as the removal of waste products from the fetal circulation back to the placenta. This vascular structure is essential for fetal development, facilitating the exchange of gases and nutrients necessary for growth.

Muscle tissue, nerve cells, and amniotic fluid do not constitute the primary structural or functional makeup of the umbilical cord. While amniotic fluid is important for cushioning the fetus and allowing for movement within the amniotic sac, it is not a structural component of the umbilical cord itself. Similarly, while nerves may be present near the cord, they do not form a significant part of its structure like the blood vessels do. Thus, recognizing the primary role of blood vessels in the umbilical cord emphasizes their importance in fetal nourishment and waste removal.