Cut-section of Structure shown in the photograph contains

Appeared in: OSSSC Nursing Officer-2021

Explanation

The image displays a newborn with an umbilical cord, which is the structure in question.
A standard, full-term umbilical cord contains three blood vessels.
Specifically, there are two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein.
The two arteries carry deoxygenated blood away from the fetus.
The single vein carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the fetus.
This 2-artery, 1-vein composition is the correct anatomical configuration.

Option A: This option incorrectly states there is one artery and two veins. While two umbilical veins exist very early in embryonic development, the right vein typically degenerates, leaving only one.
Option B: This option suggests two arteries and two veins. A term umbilical cord does not normally contain four vessels.
Option D: This option describes one artery and one vein. This is known as a Single Umbilical Artery (SUA) and is the most common malformation of the cord, but it is not the normal anatomy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the Umbilical Cord as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse assisting with delivery must be able to identify a normal umbilical cord and note any abnormalities, such as a Single Umbilical Artery (SUA), as it may indicate a higher risk for other congenital defects.
Post-delivery, the nurse inspects the clamped cord for three vessels. The finding of only two vessels (SUA) must be documented and communicated to the pediatric team for further evaluation of the newborn.
What if? If an ultrasound at 20 weeks revealed a single umbilical artery, the obstetrician would recommend a detailed fetal anatomical survey and possibly a fetal echocardiogram to screen for associated cardiac and renal anomalies.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the structure shown in the photograph. The image clearly shows a newborn baby with its umbilical cord.
The question asks for the contents of a 'cut-section' of this structure, which means you need to know the internal anatomy of the umbilical cord.
Recall the normal anatomical composition of a human umbilical cord. It serves as the connection between the fetus and the placenta.
Remember the mnemonic 'AVA' which stands for Artery-Vein-Artery, indicating two arteries and one vein.
Evaluate the given options based on this anatomical fact.
Select the option that matches the normal composition: 2 arteries and 1 vein.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 71-95

E6 Histology Inderbir 11e p. 5-7

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1141-1143

Practise the full OSSSC Nursing Officer-2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.