The umbilicus and signs and symptoms of associated pathology
The umbilicus and signs and symptoms of associated pathology: The umbilicus represents the location of 4 fetal structures, the umbilical vein, 2 umbilical arteries, and the urachus which is a tube extending from the superior aspect of the bladder towards the umbilicus (it represents the obliterated vesicourethral canal). The urachus may remain open at various points leading to the following abnormalities Completely patent urachus: communicates with the bladder and leaks urine through the umbilicus. Usually doesn't present until adulthood (strong contractions of bladder of a child closes the mouth of the fistula). Vesicourachal diverticulum: a diverticulum in the dome of the bladder. Usually symptomless. Umbilical cyst or sinus: can become infected, forming an abscess or may chronically discharge infected material from the umbilicus. A cyst can present as an immobile, midline swelling between the umbilicus and bladder, deep to the rectus sheath. It may hav