A newborn leaks clear urine continuously from the umbilicus. Imaging shows a patent channel connecting the urinary bladder to the umbilicus. This anomaly results from persistence of which embryological structure?

• A Allantois (urachus) ✓
• B Vitello-intestinal duct
• C Processus vaginalis
• D Cloacal membrane

Explanation

The allantois runs from the urogenital sinus into the umbilical cord and normally obliterates to form the median umbilical ligament (urachus). Persistence of the whole lumen produces a patent urachus with urine leaking from the umbilicus. The vitello-intestinal duct remnant discharges intestinal contents (umbilical fistula with meconium), which distinguishes it clinically from a patent urachus.

Reference: Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.