Anterior Abdomen Wall

Question 1

Lineae Albicantes

Answer 1

Due to undue stretching the formation of whitish streaks on the lower part of anterior abdominal wall

Question 2

Umbilicus - Definition

Answer 2

The umbilicus is a normal scar on the anterior abdominal wall formed by the remnants of the root of the umbilical cord.

Question 3

Umbilicus - Position

Answer 3

Healthy adults - Between L3 and L4 on the anterior median line.
Can show variation.
It is lower down in children and person with pendulous abdomen.

Question 4

Umbilicus - Anatomical Importance

Answer 4

1. Level of umbilicus is watershed line wrt venous and lymphatic drainage ( Anatomical Correlation with Downward flow (SVC Obstruction) and Upward Flow ( IVC Obstruction))
2. Skin around umbilicus supplied by segment T10
3. Important site for portocaval anastomoses (Caput medusae ( Portal obstruction) - doesn’t break barrier of watershed and has normal blood flow in dilated veins)

Question 5

Umbilicus - Embryological Importance and Applied anatomy of it.

Answer 5

1. Point of meeting of the 4 folds of embryonic plate ( head, tail and two lateral)
2. Meeting of 3 systems ( Digestive - vitellointestinal duct, excretory system- urachus, and Vascular (umbilical arteries and vein)

Remnants of vitellointestinal duct may form tumour at umbilicus - Raspberry red/ Cherry red tumour
Persistence of patent vitellointestinal duct results in faecal fistula at umbilicus
Persistence of urachus at umbilicus causes urinary fistula - weeping umbilicus
Umbilical hernia seen if weakness at umbilicus is present
Umbilical vessels can be seen at umbilicus at birth.