Answer
Vernix caseosa is slippery, greasy fluid that begins to form in the womb at about the fifth month of pregnancy. It consists of the following components
a. Cells sloughed from the fetal periderm, a derivative of the ectoderm-- the ectoderm
eventually gives rise to the epidermis and other structures.
b. Sebum, secreted by sebaceous glands
c. Hair shed from the fetus
d. Shed fetal skin cells
e. Cholesterol
Work Step by Step
Vernix caseosa functions to help the fetus in two important ways. First, the slippery fluid covers the
fetus and protects it from chemical damage by substances in the amniotic fluid. Second, it acts as a
lubricant to facilitate the movement of the baby through the birth canal at the time of parturition.
