Umbilical Cord - GCSE Biology Definition

The umbilical cord is a flexible, tube-like structure that connects a developing baby, called a foetus, to its mother during pregnancy. It provides a vital lifeline between the two, allowing nutrients and oxygen from the mother’s blood to pass to the baby, while also removing waste products from the baby’s blood back to the mother. The umbilical cord typically contains three blood vessels: two arteries that carry waste products away from the baby and one vein that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby. After birth, when the baby begins to breathe and feed on its own, the umbilical cord is no longer needed and is usually clamped and cut, leaving behind the belly button, or navel.