Umbilical

Umbilical refers to the physical and physiological features in the center of the abdomen related to the umbilical cord, which connects a mother and her fetus during pregnancy. The term "umbilical" is derived from the Latin word "umbilicus" meaning "navel".

Anatomy

The umbilical region is centrally located on the abdomen and is surrounded by the lumbar regions and the hypochondriac regions. It is one of the nine regions of the abdomen, which also includes the epigastric, hypogastric, and iliac regions.

Umbilical Cord

The umbilical cord is a conduit between the developing embryo or fetus and the placenta. It allows the fetus to exchange gas and nutrients with the mother. The umbilical cord is made up of one vein, which carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the fetus, and two arteries that carry deoxygenated, nutrient-depleted blood away.

Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the umbilical area. This condition is common in infants but can also occur in adults. Symptoms may include a bulge in the navel area that becomes more noticeable when the person is upright, straining, or crying.

Umbilical Vein

The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus. After birth, it rapidly undergoes fibrosis and becomes a fibrous cord called the round ligament of the liver.

Umbilical Artery

The umbilical artery carries deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta. After birth, the proximal portions of the umbilical arteries remain patent and form the internal iliac and superior vesical arteries.

See Also

• Umbilical cord
• Umbilical hernia
• Umbilical vein
• Umbilical artery