Umbilicalligament

Umbilicalligament refers to the remnant of the umbilical vein, a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy. After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and the umbilical vein gradually constricts and obliterates. The superior portion of the umbilical vein persists as the ligamentum teres hepatis, which is a fibrous band that extends from the umbilicus to the inferior surface of the liver.

In fetal circulation, the umbilical vein plays a crucial role in nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and the developing fetus. It bypasses the fetal liver through a shunt called the ductus venosus, allowing oxygenated blood to directly enter the inferior vena cava. Once the baby is born and the umbilical cord is no longer needed, the umbilical vein ceases to function. Over time, it transforms into the ligamentum teres hepatis.

The ligamentum teres hepatis is a significant anatomical landmark within the abdominal cavity. It is located in the free edge of the falciform ligament, a fold of peritoneum that attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall. While it is a non-functional structure in adults, its presence serves as a reminder of the vital role the umbilical vein played during fetal development. In rare cases, the ligamentum teres hepatis can become a site for collateral circulation in conditions of portal hypertension.