Mucous connective tissue in the umbilical cord is best described as:

Mucous connective tissue in the umbilical cord is best described as:

• A. Gelatinous ground substance rich in hyaluronic acid
• B. Dense regular connective tissue
• C. Highly vascular
• D. Contains adipocytes

Answer: (A)

Wharton's jelly—the mucous connective tissue of the umbilical cord—is best described by its gelatinous ground substance rich in hyaluronic acid. This highly hydrated, gel-like matrix, rich in glycosaminoglycans, cushions and protects the fetal vessels (the vein and arteries) within the cord. The tissue has relatively few collagen fibers and sparse cells, making it distinctly different from dense regular connective tissue. It isn’t adipose tissue, and while the vessels run through it, the connective tissue itself isn’t highly vascular.

Wharton's jelly—the mucous connective tissue of the umbilical cord—is best described by its gelatinous ground substance rich in hyaluronic acid. This highly hydrated, gel-like matrix, rich in glycosaminoglycans, cushions and protects the fetal vessels (the vein and arteries) within the cord. The tissue has relatively few collagen fibers and sparse cells, making it distinctly different from dense regular connective tissue. It isn’t adipose tissue, and while the vessels run through it, the connective tissue itself isn’t highly vascular.