Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Velamentous cord insertion
Abnormal umbilical cord insertion where vessels traverse fetal membranes before reaching the placenta.
Full Definition
A placental abnormality occurring in 0.5-2% of pregnancies, where umbilical vessels insert into the chorioamniotic membranes rather than directly into the placental disc. The vessels then traverse unprotected through the membranes to reach the placental margin. This condition increases risk of vessel rupture during labor, fetal hemorrhage, and vasa previa if vessels cross the cervical os.
Usage
Usage note: Associated with increased risk of vasa previa when vessels cross the cervical opening.
In Context
- "Ultrasound identified velamentous cord insertion with vessels crossing the internal os." — Prenatal ultrasound report
- "The placental examination confirmed velamentous cord insertion as the cause of fetal bleeding." — Pathology report
Also known as
membranous cord insertion
Contrasted with
central cord insertion
Don't confuse with
vasa previa
marginal cord insertion