Plica urachi, also known as the urachus or urachal remnant, refers to a term used in anatomy to describe a structure found in the human body. The urachus is a vestigial remnant of a fetal structure that played a vital role in the development of the urinary system during embryonic life.
During fetal development, the urachus connects the bladder to the umbilical cord, allowing waste products from the developing fetus to be eliminated through the placenta. However, after birth, the urachus becomes obsolete as the bladder takes over this function and the umbilical cord is severed.
The plica urachi is essentially a flattened, fibrous cord that extends from the apex of the bladder to the umbilicus in its adult form. It is comprised of connective tissue and smooth muscle layers, which give it its structure and stability.
In some cases, the plica urachi may fail to obliterate entirely after birth, resulting in the persistence of a urachal remnant. This remnant may take on various forms, such as a cyst, sinus, or patency of the urachus. These conditions can potentially lead to complications, such as urinary tract infections or the development of an urachal diverticulum.
Understanding the structure and potential complications associated with plica urachi is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly surgeons, to properly diagnose and manage any related condition that may arise.
