Even though the separation of the umbilical cord receives a great deal of interest, the process of cord separation has not been reported in the literature. A histological study of the umbilical area was carried out on 25 neonates who died within 7 days of birth (mean age at death 3 days). The umbilical cord itself became dried and mummified. Polymorphonuclear leucocytes infiltrated the areas between the mummifying cord stump and the vital tissues of the abdominal wall, forming a demarcation zone. No other leucocytes were present, and no bacteria were seen in any of the preparations studied.