Quick Facts
Origin: Peritoneal folds produced by the non-pelvic remnant of the embryonic umbilical artery originating from approximately the apex of the bladder.
Course: Passes superiorly along the inner surface of the anterior abdominal wall.
Branches: No branches.
Supplied Structures: Patent vessel that returns blood from fetal systemic circulation to the placenta but becomes occluded by fibrotic tissue in the adult.
Origin
The medial umbilical ligament is one of three (one single, and two paired) folds of peritoneum on the anterior abdominal wall, that are produced by underlying structures.
The paired medial umbilical ligaments are formed from the remaining fibrous tissue of the occluded umbilical artery. They originate distal to the superior vesical arteries, approximately at the apex of the bladder, where they become occluded. Proximal to this point, the umbilical artery remains patent, and branches into the superior vesical artery, that supply the bladder.
Course
The medial umbilical ligaments pass superiorly along the inner surface of the anterior abdominal wall, between the layers of the peritoneum and transversalis fascia. They converge with their contralateral partner, by passing medially towards the umbilicus.
Branches
No branches are given off by the umbilical artery distal to the superior vesical arteries.
Supplied Structures
In the fetus, the umbilical artery returns deoxygenated, nutrient depleted blood f to the placenta. In the adult, the structure becomes fibrotic and occluded.
