Wharton's jelly is found in the?

DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Anatomy and Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Wharton's jelly is a unique, gelatinous connective tissue that is the main substance of the umbilical cord.
Its primary function is to surround and protect the umbilical arteries and vein from compression, kinking, or torsion.
This protection is crucial for maintaining continuous and adequate blood flow between the placenta and the fetus, which is essential for fetal growth and oxygenation.
The jelly is composed mainly of mucopolysaccharides (like hyaluronic acid), which gives it a soft, cushion-like consistency.

Option A: The stomach is a muscular organ in the upper abdomen that is part of the digestive system. It has no anatomical or functional relationship with Wharton's jelly.
Option B: The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system. While they are part of the fetal anatomy, they are filled with fluid and are not involved in gas exchange until birth. They do not contain Wharton's jelly.
Option D: The heart is the muscular pump of the circulatory system. Although it is connected to the fetal circulation which includes the umbilical vessels, the heart itself is a distinct organ and does not contain Wharton's jelly.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and function of the umbilical cord and Wharton's jelly as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A 'thin' or 'lean' umbilical cord, which has a reduced amount of Wharton's jelly, is a clinical concern as it increases the risk of cord compression, potentially leading to fetal distress or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Wharton's jelly is a rich, non-controversial source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells are being researched for their potential in regenerative medicine to treat a variety of diseases.
What if? If an ultrasound reveals a single umbilical artery (SUA) instead of the usual two, the fetus requires a detailed anatomical survey. While often an isolated finding, SUA can be associated with other congenital anomalies, particularly of the cardiac and renal systems.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from anatomy and physiology, specifically related to obstetrics and embryology.
First, identify the key term in the question: "Wharton's jelly".
Access your knowledge base about fetal development and anatomy.
Recall that Wharton's jelly is the protective, gelatinous substance that makes up the bulk of the umbilical cord.
Evaluate the given options: Stomach, Lungs, Umbilical cord, Heart.
Select the option that correctly identifies the location of Wharton's jelly, which is the umbilical cord.

Concept Tested & Keywords

qSjbokmQjH49dGF5rMMyc

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

E6 Histology Inderbir 11e p. 4-6

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 71-95