Question

Omphalocele is caused by?

• A. Duplications of intestinal loops
• B. Abnormal rotation of the intestinal loop
• C. Failure of gut to return to the body cavity from its physiological herniation
• D. Reversed rotation of the intestinal loop

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Omphalocele is a congenital condition related to the development of the intestines. During normal fetal development, the intestines temporarily protrude into the umbilical cord (a process known as physiological herniation) which occurs because the abdominal cavity is too small to accommodate the rapidly growing intestines. Around the 10th week of gestation, these intestines usually return to the abdominal cavity as it enlarges. Omphalocele occurs when this process fails, meaning that the gut does not return to the body cavity from its physiological herniation. This failure leads to the intestines and possibly other organs remaining outside the abdomen at birth, covered by a thin, transparent sac made of peritoneum.