The word "urachal" refers to a structure in fetal development that connects the bladder to the umbilical cord. The spelling of "urachal" is based on the pronunciation of its two syllables, with the stress falling on the first syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound "oo" as in "scoop", followed by the consonant sound "r". The second syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound "a" as in "cat", followed by the consonant sounds "ch" and "l". The IPA phonetic transcription for "urachal" is /juːˈrækəl/.
Urachal is an adjective that refers to anything related to the urachus. The urachus is a structure present during fetal development that connects the bladder to the umbilical cord. It forms as a tube-like structure, which then narrows and closes off before birth. This closure typically happens within the first few weeks of gestation.
The urachal structure, although it serves no purpose after birth, plays a critical role during fetal development. It allows the flow of urine from the bladder to the umbilical cord, enabling the elimination of waste from the developing fetus.
In medical contexts, "urachal" can be used to describe various conditions or abnormalities associated with the urachus. These may include urachal cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that form as a result of the persistence or incomplete closure of the urachal tube. Urachal anomalies or abnormalities can also include urachal fistulas, urachal diverticulum, or urachal remnants, which occur when parts of the urachus persist after birth.
The term "urachal" is predominantly used in medical literature or discussions related to fetal development, urology, or surgical procedures involving the urachus. It signifies a connection or relation to the urachus and its associated structures and functions.
Relating to the urachus, noting a fold of peritoneum enveloping the urachus, and a fossa alongside the fold just above Poupart's ligament, the fossa inguinalis interna.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "urachal" is derived from the noun "urachus". The term "urachus" originated from the Latin word "ūrāchus", which was borrowed from Greek. In Greek, it is spelled as οὐράχος (ourachos), which literally means "urinary canal". The word "urachus" refers specifically to a structure called the urachus, which is a fibrous remnant of a canal connecting the bladder to the umbilicus during fetal development.