What is the primary function of the umbilical cord during pregnancy?

Explanation

The umbilical cord is a flexible, tube-like structure that connects the developing fetus to the placenta within the mother’s uterus, containing blood vessels that carry oxygen and essential nutrients from the mother to the developing baby, while also carrying away waste products for the mother’s body to eliminate. This vital connection supports the fetus’s growth and development throughout pregnancy, since the fetus cannot yet breathe or feed independently. Shortly after birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving behind the small remnant that eventually becomes a baby’s navel, or belly button. Explore more Everyday Science MCQs on mcqstutor to keep practicing.