Umbilical folds

Umbilical folds are anatomical structures found in the human abdomen. They are three in number and are named the median, medial, and lateral umbilical folds. Each of these folds has a different structure and clinical significance.

Etymology

The term "umbilical" comes from the Latin word "umbilicus" which means "navel". The term "fold" in this context refers to a bend in a layer of tissue.

Structure

Median umbilical fold

The median umbilical fold covers the urachus, a remnant of the allantois in the fetus. The urachus is a tube that drains the urinary bladder of the fetus that joins and runs within the umbilical cord.

Medial umbilical fold

The medial umbilical fold covers the umbilical artery, a paired artery that is found in the abdominal and pelvic regions.

Lateral umbilical fold

The lateral umbilical fold covers the inferior epigastric vessels. These vessels supply blood to the lower part of the anterior abdominal wall.

Clinical significance

The umbilical folds are important landmarks in abdominal surgery. They are used to identify the underlying structures and their relationships to each other. For example, the median umbilical fold is used to locate the bladder during pelvic surgery.

Related terms

• Umbilicus: The navel or belly button, a central scar on the abdomen at the attachment site of the umbilical cord.
• Peritoneum: The serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity.
• Fascia: A band or sheet of connective tissue beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs.

See also

• Anatomy of the human abdomen
• Abdominal surgery

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