During gut rotation, the primary intestinal loop (midgut) rotates a total of 270 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from the front. Non-rotation (absence of this rotation) typically results in which clinically important finding?

• A Small bowel lies on the left; cecum is in the right iliac fossa; appendix at the normal position
• B Situs inversus with complete transposition of all abdominal organs
• C Small bowel lies on the right side of the abdomen; cecum remains in the left upper quadrant; Ladd's bands crossing the duodenum; risk of midgut volvulus ✓
• D Persistent omphalocele with failure of gut herniation return

Explanation

In intestinal non-rotation, the midgut returns to the abdominal cavity but does not rotate; the pre-arterial (small intestine) segment remains on the right and the post-arterial (cecum and colon) segment lies on the left. The cecum stays in the left upper quadrant, and fibrous (Ladd's) bands stretch from the cecum across the second part of the duodenum to the right posterior abdominal wall, potentially obstructing the duodenum. The narrow superior mesenteric artery pedicle (unrotated midgut on a short mesentery) is prone to catastrophic midgut volvulus. Situs inversus is a separate embryological phenomenon. Omphalocele results from failure of gut return, not rotation.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.