Medial umbilical fold

Medial umbilical fold is a structure in human anatomy that represents the remnant of the umbilical artery after birth. It is located on the deep surface of the anterior abdominal wall, and is covered by the peritoneum, the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity. The medial umbilical fold is an important anatomical landmark, especially in surgeries involving the lower abdomen.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The medial umbilical fold extends from the umbilicus (navel) to the pelvis, running alongside the midline of the body. It is one of the three paired folds seen on the inner surface of the anterior abdominal wall, the others being the median umbilical fold and the lateral umbilical fold. The medial umbilical fold is formed by the occluded part of the umbilical artery, which in the fetus, carries blood from the fetus to the placenta. After birth, this artery becomes fibrotic and forms the medial umbilical ligament, which is covered by peritoneum to form the fold.

Function[edit | edit source]

In the adult, the medial umbilical fold does not have a significant physiological function, as the umbilical artery it contains is no longer patent. However, its presence is of anatomical and surgical importance. It serves as a landmark during surgical procedures in the lower abdomen, such as in laparoscopic surgery, where identification of anatomical landmarks is crucial for avoiding injury to vital structures.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Knowledge of the medial umbilical fold's location and what it represents is important in the diagnosis and treatment of certain medical conditions. For example, an inguinal hernia may protrude through areas close to the medial umbilical fold. Additionally, its identification is crucial during surgeries in the pelvic region to avoid damaging the underlying structures.