The umbilical cord runs between the placenta and the abdomen of the developing fetus. This rope-like cord is a new organism’s lifeline; it is the organ which supplies the fetus with all of its nourishment and oxygen. The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein, through which the baby’s heart pumps blood carrying nutrients or wastes to and from the placenta. The cord is about a half an inch in diameter and is usually some twelve to thirty-five inches in length, so it is a little longer than the average baby.