Failure of the midgut to return to the abdominal cavity during the 10th week of development results in:

• A Omphalocele — persistence of midgut in the umbilical cord covered by amnion and peritoneum ✓
• B Gastroschisis — a defect lateral to an intact umbilicus with no peritoneal covering
• C Meckel's diverticulum — a remnant of the vitello-intestinal duct
• D Malrotation of the midgut — the cecum fixed high in the right upper quadrant

Explanation

During weeks 6–10 of embryonic development, the rapidly growing midgut herniates physiologically through the umbilical ring into the umbilical cord (physiological umbilical herniation). By week 10, the intestines normally return to the abdominal cavity and the umbilicus closes. Failure of this return results in omphalocele — midgut remaining in the umbilical cord, covered by a sac of amnion and peritoneum (containing Wharton's jelly). Gastroschisis results from a defect in the anterior abdominal wall lateral to the umbilicus (not through the cord) and has NO peritoneal covering (bowel is directly exposed). This distinction is crucial for management.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.