Wharton's jelly

Wharton 's jelly (also Whartonsche jelly ) is the name of the intercellular substance of gelatinous connective tissue of the umbilical cord.

Collagen and reticular fibers and fiber bundles form a sponge -like association in which only a few free cells, but occur large amounts of hyaluronic acid. The ability of hyaluronic acid to store water, provides for the same firm and elastic texture of fabric. Hence the vessels prior to compression and kinking are protected.