Urachus
|
WikiDoc Resources for Urachus |
|
Articles |
|---|
|
Most recent articles on Urachus |
|
Media |
|
Evidence Based Medicine |
|
Clinical Trials |
|
Ongoing Trials on Urachus at Clinical Trials.gov Clinical Trials on Urachus at Google
|
|
Guidelines / Policies / Govt |
|
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Urachus
|
|
Books |
|
News |
|
Commentary |
|
Definitions |
|
Patient Resources / Community |
|
Directions to Hospitals Treating Urachus Risk calculators and risk factors for Urachus
|
|
Healthcare Provider Resources |
|
Causes & Risk Factors for Urachus |
|
Continuing Medical Education (CME) |
|
International |
|
|
|
Business |
|
Experimental / Informatics |
Overview
The urachus is an embryological canal connecting the urinary bladder of the fetus with the allantois, a structure that contributes to the formation of the umbilical cord. The lumen (inside) of the urachus is normally obliterated during embryonic development, transforming the urachus into a solid cord, a functionless remnant. The urachus lies in the space of Retzius, between the transversalis fascia anteriorly and the peritoneum posteriorly.
Formation
The vesico-urethral portion of the urogenital sinus absorbs the ends of the Wolffian ducts and the associated ends of the renal diverticula, and these give rise to the trigone of the bladder and part of the prostatic urethra. The remainder of the vesico-urethral portion forms the body of the bladder and part of the prostatic urethra; its apex is prolonged to the umbilicus as a narrow canal, which later is obliterated and becomes the median umbilical ligament (urachus). Note: The two medial umbilical ligaments are the obliterated umbilical arteries.
Pathology
Failure for the lumen of the urachus to be filled in leaves a patent (open) urachus. The telltale sign is leakage of urine through the umbilicus. A patent urachus needs to be surgically removed.
Additional images
-
Inguinal fossae
