Study Of Variations In Human Placental Attachment Of Umbilical Cord And Its Clinical Significance

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The word placenta comes from Latin - flat cake and Greek -”Plakous” which means “flat, slab like.”Only eutherian mammals possess placenta. The human placenta is discoid, hemochorial and deciduate whichfunctions as a fetomaternal organ. It is developed from chorion frondosum & decidua basalis. Abnormalities inthe development and site of insertion of the umbilical cord can affect maternal and fetal well-being. The umbilicalcord is usually attached near the centre of the placenta. The various types of umbilical cord attachment into theplacenta are central, eccentric, battledore (marginal), velamentous (membranous) and furcate. Hence knowledgeabout the variations in the placental attachment of umbilical cord is important for clinicians.Aims and Objectives: The present study is undertaken to study various types of placental attachment of umbilicalcord.Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 10% formalin fixed 100 normal human placenta collectedfrom department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cheluvamba Hospital for children & women, Mysore medicalcollege and research institute, Mysuru, Karnataka. The study was carried out in department of Anatomy, MMC&RI,Mysuru. Study of various types of placental attachment of umbilical cord was done by naked eye observation.The data obtained was tabulated & statistically analysed.Observations and Results: Out of 100 placenta observed 68 placenta had central attachment of umbilical cord,16 placenta had eccentric attachment, 12 placenta had battledore (marginal) attachment and 04 placenta hadmembranous (velamentous) attachment.Conclusion: Variation in the placental attachment of umbilical cord is associated with various congenitalanomalies. Therefore early prenatal ultrasonographic identification of anomalies helps in reducing risk inmaternal and perinatal outcome.