Human Fetus at 22 Weeks in the Womb With Placenta (Brown Skin)

Description

The fetus lies in a flexed intrauterine posture, head directed inferiorly and to the right of frame, with the spine curved and the knees drawn up toward the trunk. The umbilical cord emerges from the anterior abdominal wall and spirals toward the placenta, its helical twist revealing the paired umbilical arteries and the single, larger umbilical vein beneath the amniotic covering. The placenta is seen edge-on as a discoid organ implanted against the uterine wall, its fetal surface smooth and its maternal aspect textured. Fine detail is preserved in the hand with separated fingers, the foot with distinct toes, and the relatively large fetal head, while the surrounding endometrial vasculature branches faintly through the uterine lining. At 22 weeks the fetus sits close to the threshold of viability, which makes this stage central to counselling on extreme preterm birth, neonatal intensive care planning and gestational age assessment. The depicted cord anatomy underpins Doppler evaluation of umbilical artery flow, recognition of a two-vessel cord, and awareness of nuchal or body cord loops. Placental position and thickness relative to the uterine wall are the same relationships assessed during second-trimester ultrasound for praevia, accreta risk and placental insufficiency, while overall fetal biometry and limb visualisation form part of the routine anomaly scan performed around this window. The image suits obstetric and midwifery teaching sequences on second-trimester development, antenatal class materials, and patient-facing explanations of how the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients through the cord and placenta. Publishers of embryology atlases and prenatal care handbooks can use it as a week-specific plate alongside the neighbouring weeks in the series, and clinics may apply it in waiting-room displays or consent discussions about preterm delivery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.