RESUMO
Objective: To compare the kistomorphological characteristics of human umbilical cord ar high altitde [HA] area i.e. Skardu with those at low altillrde [LA] i.e. Rawalpindi in Pakistan. Materials and methods: This cross sectional cornparalive study was conducted in Anatomy department at Army Medical Gollcgt Rawalpindi, from October 2002 to April 2003. Eighty umbilical cords, forty each from normal cases a: LA and HA! were Included. The full depth samples of umbilcal cord were taken and stained wtth H and E. Dclailed hisromarphology of umbilical cord was studied and thickness of vessel walls via5 measured. Results: Mean thickness ol umbilical artcrics in two gmups was 630.73 5 10.27 Llrn and 534.58 c 8.17 prr., while r-rlcan ihickness of urnbilical vein in same groups was 365.55 + 10.49 urn arid 318.3+ 8.64 Jim respotlively. Tne qlianlitative difference belwccn mean lhickness of unibilical artcries and veins, in LA and HA grnups was statistically significant. Conclusion: Tht thickness d umbilical cord as well as umbilical vessels, was signi1ican:ly less in HA group as compared to LA group.