Wharton jelly
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Al Kabbani A, Di Muzio B, et al. Wharton jelly. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 11 Dec 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-13691
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rID:
13691
Article created:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Yuranga Weerakkody had no recorded disclosures.
View Yuranga Weerakkody's current disclosures
Last revised:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Ayla Al Kabbani had no recorded disclosures.
View Ayla Al Kabbani's current disclosures
Revisions:
8 times, by
7 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Sections:
Synonyms:
- Wharton's jelly
Wharton jelly refers to the gelatinous substance within the umbilical cord.
On this page:
Gross anatomy
Wharton jelly is derived from extra-embryonic mesoderm and is largely made up of mucopolysaccharides (hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate) while containing smaller amounts of fibroblasts and macrophages. It acts as a support structure and protects the vessels of the umbilical cord against compression and constriction.
Related pathology
- umbilical cord pseudocysts: from mucoid or cystic degeneration 3
- thickened umbilical cord: from excess Wharton jelly in gestational diabetes 4
- lean umbilical cord: reduced Wharton jelly 7
- below the 10th percentile of cord thickness for gestational age
- associations
History and etymology
Named after the English physician Thomas Wharton (1614-1673) 1.
References
- 1. Warton T (1656). Adenographia: sive glandularum totius corporis descriptio. London: Wharton. pp. pg 243–44
- 2. Kurita M, Hasegawa J, Mikoshiba T et-al. Ultrasound evaluation of the amount of Wharton's jelly and the umbilical coiling index. Fetal. Diagn. Ther. 2009;26 (2): 85-9. doi:10.1159/000238118 - Pubmed citation
- 3. Kiran H, Kiran G, Kanber Y. Pseudocyst of the umbilical cord with mucoid degeneration of Wharton's jelly. Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. 2003;111 (1): 91-3. Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. (link) - Pubmed citation
- 4. Weissman A, Jakobi P. Sonographic measurements of the umbilical cord in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. J Ultrasound Med. 1997;16 (10): 691-4. J Ultrasound Med (abstract) - Pubmed citation
- 5. Ramanathan K, Epstein S, Yaghoobian J. Localized deposition of Wharton's jelly: sonographic findings. J Ultrasound Med. 1986;5 (6): 339-40. J Ultrasound Med (citation) - Pubmed citation
- 6. Raio L, Ghezzi F, Di naro E et-al. Prenatal assessment of Wharton's jelly in umbilical cords with single artery. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 1999;14 (1): 42-6. doi:10.1046/j.1469-0705.1999.14010042.x - Pubmed citation
- 7. Moshiri M, Zaidi SF, Robinson TJ et-al. Comprehensive imaging review of abnormalities of the umbilical cord. Radiographics. 2014;34 (1): 179-96. doi:10.1148/rg.341125127 - Pubmed citation
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