Nabelgegend

Nabelgegend, in medical terms the umbilical region, is the central part of the anterior abdominal wall around the umbilicus (navel). It corresponds to the middle abdominal region used in the nine-region division of the abdomen and lies at the level of the umbilicus or slightly below. The region forms a transitional zone between the upper and lower parts of the abdomen and is closely related to the abdominal wall structures and the peritoneal cavity.

Anatomically, the umbilical region is bounded superiorly by the subcostal plane, inferiorly by the intertubercular plane, and laterally by the two vertical lines of the midclavicular division. The area contains the umbilicus as a visible landmark and overlies the abdominal wall where the linea alba concentrates the tissue fibers. Structures associated with the region include the umbilical ring in the anterior abdominal wall, remnants of fetal vessels and ligaments (such as the median, medial, and lateral umbilical folds), and underlying peritoneum. The region is supplied by branches of the abdominal wall vessels and contains folds that relate to the umbilical vessels and the urachus.

Clinical relevance is mainly tied to conditions affecting the umbilical area. Umbilical hernias, common in infants and also seen in adults, protrude through a weakened umbilical ring. Other issues include umbilical granuloma in newborns, omphalitis in neonates, and, rarely, endometriosis or tumors presenting near the navel. Diagnosis often relies on physical examination, with imaging (ultrasound or CT) used as needed. Treatment ranges from observation for small congenital hernias in infants to surgical repair for persistent or symptomatic cases.