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 which functions as a fetomaternal organ. It is developed from chorion frondosum & decidua basalis. Abnormalities in the development and site of insertion of the umbilical cord can affect maternal and fetal well-being. The umbilical cord is usually attached near the centre of the placenta. The various types of umbilical cord attachment into the placenta are: central, eccentric, battledore (marginal), velamentous (membranous) and furcate. Hence knowledge about 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 umbilical cord. Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 10% formalin fixed 100 normal human placenta collected from department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cheluvamba Hospital for children & women, Mysore medical college 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 had membranous (velamentous) attachment. Conclusion: Variation in the placental attachment of umbilical cord is associated with various congenital anomalies. Therefore early prenatal ultrasonographic identification of anomalies helps in reducing risk in maternal and perinatal outcome.