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Jelly are dependent on the diffusion of gases and nutrients for their metabolic needs. It has been hypothesized that this diffusion might explain the persistence of the dual umbilical artery, while the second umbilical vein atrophies early in gestation. The dual umbilical artery increases the surface area of the arterial walls (and therefore the rate of diffusion) with roughly 45% compared to a single umbilical artery, while the same placental flow is maintained. This might provide a threefold protective mechanism against the effect of uterine contractions

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