Wharton's Jelly
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Wharton's jelly is a gelatinous mucous connective tissue that forms the main bulk of the umbilical cord in humans and mammals. Due to its elasticity, it protects the umbilical blood vessels from compression caused by bending and knotting of the cord. By the end of pregnancy, the jelly near the vessels transforms into fibrous tissue.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
WHARTON'S JELLY, gelatinous or mucous connective tissue forming the main bulk of the umbilical cord in humans and mammals (first described by Wharton). Due to its elasticity, it provides protection to the blood vessels (umbilical arteries and vein), safeguarding them from compression that would inevitably occur during kinking and knotting of the umbilical cord. At the end of pregnancy, Wharton's jelly near the vessels transforms into fibrous tissue.
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“Wharton's Jelly.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/whartons-jelly/