Morfologia microscopică a vaselor ombilicale umane

Abstract

Abstract Background: The umbilical cord is a unic organ that contains two arteries and a vein, embedded in a hydrated extracellular substance known as the gelatinous substance Wharton. The structure of the umbilical cord can vary depending on: the number of umbilical arteries, the length and diameter of the cord. Human umbilical vessels differ structurally from the most human body vessels. The aim of the study was to describe the microscopic features of umbilical vessels, as well as other structural components of the umbilical cord. Material and methods: Our study included a number of 20 specimens of human umbilical cords obtained from term pregnancy. Specimens were fixed in buffer formalin and paraffin embedded. Specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson Trichrome and silver impregnation Gordon-Sweet. Microscopic examination and imaging was performed with Nikon Eclipse E600, 2 and Nikon Eclipse 80i microscopes. Results: Our histological study highlighted the morphological features of the umbilical vessels. In the structure of umbilical vessels lacked the adventitia, external elastic membrane, and vaso-vasorum. The thickness of the intima varied in the umbilical arteries. In addition, the intima was partially folded forming longitudinal folds that narrowed and distorted the lumen of the arteries. In the intima structure were observed smooth muscle cells, whose number was higher in the umbilical arteries. The thickness of media in the veins was much lower than in the arteries. The tunica media of the umbilical vessels mainly consisted of smooth muscle cells, reticular and collagen fibers and mucopolysaccharide of amorphous substance. The tunica media of arteries was organized into two layers: internal, well highlighted, that contained circularly arranged smooth muscle cells, and external – with longitudinally oriented myocytes. Conclusions: Umbilical vessels are mature blood vessels, which undergo a continuous remodeling process throughout the gestation period. The remodeling of the umbilical vessels is initiated and supported by endothelial factors.