Which structure is formed by the obliteration of the umbilical vein after the birth of a child?

UPPSC-2021

Anatomy and Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

The umbilical vein's primary role in the fetus is to transport oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the fetal liver and heart.
After birth, with the clamping of the umbilical cord and the initiation of breathing, blood flow through this vein ceases.
The vein then collapses and undergoes fibrosis, a process where it turns into a solid, cord-like structure.
This fibrous cord is known as the ligamentum teres hepatis, or the round ligament of the liver.
It is located in the free margin of the falciform ligament, connecting the umbilicus to the liver.

Option A: The ligamentum venosum is the remnant of the ductus venosus, not the umbilical vein. The ductus venosus is a shunt that allows blood to bypass the liver in the fetus.
Option B: The superior vesical arteries are the persistent proximal portions of the umbilical arteries. The umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood away from the fetus.
Option D: The fossa ovalis is the remnant of the foramen ovale, which is an opening between the right and left atria in the fetal heart, not a blood vessel.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Fetal circulation and postnatal anatomical remnants as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In severe liver disease, specifically portal hypertension, the pressure in the portal vein system becomes extremely high. This can cause the obliterated umbilical vein within the ligamentum teres to recanalize (reopen).
This reopening allows portal blood to be shunted to the systemic veins around the umbilicus, causing them to become engorged and visible on the abdomen. This clinical sign is known as 'Caput Medusae'.
What if? If a newborn has a patent ductus venosus that fails to close, a significant amount of portal blood would continue to bypass the liver. This can lead to reduced liver perfusion and potential developmental issues, requiring monitoring and possible intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'obliteration,' 'umbilical vein,' and 'after birth.' This points to a question about anatomical changes post-delivery.
Recall the components of fetal circulation and their specific functions. The umbilical vein is unique as it carries oxygenated blood to the fetus.
Systematically think through the fate of each major fetal vessel and shunt after birth.
Evaluate each option: 'Ligamentum venosum' (from ductus venosus), 'Vesical arteries' (from umbilical arteries), 'Ligamentum teres' (from umbilical vein), and 'Fossa ovalis' (from foramen ovale).
Match the fetal structure from the question (umbilical vein) with its correct adult remnant (ligamentum teres).
This process of elimination and direct recall confirms the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Fetal circulation and postnatal anatomical remnants
Stem keywords: obliteration, umbilical vein, after birth, structure formed
Lead-in keywords: Which
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 2 p. 59-61