IGCSE Biology glossary
Umbilical cord
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
A flexible tube connecting the fetus to the placenta, containing two umbilical arteries (carrying deoxygenated blood from fetus to placenta) and one umbilical vein (carrying oxygenated blood from placenta to fetus).
What to include in an exam answer
Note the unusual naming: the umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood (from placenta to fetus), and the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood. This is the reverse of the normal naming convention because the blood vessel names relate to direction from the fetus, not oxygen content.
Example in context
State the function of the umbilical cord (1 mark): The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta, allowing the transport of oxygen, nutrients and waste products between the fetal and maternal blood supplies.
Related syllabus topic
Reproduction