Umbilical cord: The umbilical cord is a flexible tube-like structure that connects the developing fetus to the placenta. It contains blood vessels through which nutrients and oxygen are transported from the placenta to the baby.
Amniotic fluid: Amniotic fluid surrounds and protects the developing fetus inside the amniotic sac. It provides cushioning, temperature regulation, and helps with fetal lung development.
Maternal-fetal circulation: Maternal-fetal circulation refers to how blood flows between both mother and fetus through blood vessels in the umbilical cord connected to the placenta. This allows for nutrient exchange while keeping their blood supplies separate.