Omphalomesenteric duct remnants

Abstract

In the human embryo, the omphalomesenteric duct exists as a long, narrow tube that joins the yolk sac to the digestive tube. During the seventh week of gestation, the duct usually undergoes complete obliteration. Incomplete obliteration results in omphalomesenteric remnants, which may be completely asymptomatic throughout life. Some types of omphalomesenteric remnants can be apparent in the newborn infant, and others may cause various problems. For example, some remnants have the potential to develop into adenocarcinoma owing to scattered glandular epithelial nests.