What function does the umbilical cord serve during fetal development?

The umbilical cord is essential during fetal development primarily because it connects the fetus to the placenta. This connection allows for the transportation of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus, while also facilitating the removal of waste products produced by the fetus. The umbilical cord typically contains two arteries and one vein, which carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta and return oxygenated blood back to the fetus, respectively. This vital link ensures that the developing fetus receives the necessary substances for growth and development while maintaining proper waste management.

Choices that suggest transporting oxygen or controlling fetal movements do not accurately capture the primary role of the umbilical cord. While the cord does play a part in the transport of oxygen, it is fundamentally about connecting the fetus to the placenta for the exchange of all vital nutrients and gases. Additionally, the umbilical cord does not influence fetal movements or the formation of the skeletal system, which are regulated by different physiological processes.