Umbilical Shape and Diseases Related to Age and Sex

Ahn, Hyung Jin; Kim, Sun Wook; Hwang, Sang Min; Choi, Eung Ho; Ahn, Sung Ku

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The umbilicus is a simple scar that obliterates the portal through which the omphalomesenteric duct connected the primitive gut to the yolk sac; through which the intestine was expelled prior to its rotation; through which passed the umbilical arteries and vein; at which the allantosis attached to the early urinary bladder; and at which the umbilical cord that carried these structures was fused to the body wall. The umbilicus is situated at the level of L3 to L4 in the midline of the abdomen. It's shape, size, and configuration vary greatly related to age and sex. Deramtoses of the umbilicus are umbilical hernia, congenital abnormalities, granulomas, omphalith, infections, eczema and tumors.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the umbilical shape and size related to age and sex and diseases of the umbilicus.
METHODS
During a 6-month-period from May to October, 1998, 420 person's umbilical shapes and size were examined with regard to age and sex. The diseases of the umbilicus were evaluated, too.
RESULTS
& CONCLUSIONS: 1. The mean vertical diameter of the umbilicus is 1.89+/-0.65cm and the mean transverse diameter is 1.98+/-0.86cm. The mean diameter of umbilicus in women(vertical: 1.98+/-0.73cm, transverse: 2.07+/-0.99cm) is larger than the mean diameter of umbilicus in men(vertical: 1.80+-0.53cm, transverse: 1.89+/-0.66cm)(p<0.05). 2. The vertical diameter of umbilicus in both sexes showed increasing aspect until the 30-39 year old group, and the transverse diameter of umbilicus in both sexes showed increasing aspect until the 40-49 year old group. 3. The shapes of umbilicus were divided into the protruded type and the depressed type. Most of our cases showed the depressed type. The protruded types were more in the 0-9 year old group(23%) than other year old groups. The shapes of umbilicus were divided into the round type and the elliptical type, too. The elliptical type(transverse diameter>vertical diameter) is more than the elliptical type(vertical diameter>transverse diameter) in men, and the elliptical type(vertical diameter>transverse diameter) is more than the elliptical type(transverse diameter>vertical diameter) in women. 4. The diseases of the umbilicus are allergic contact dermatitis(6 cases), pityriasis rosea(5 cases), psoriasis(3 cases), scabies(3 cases), rhus dermatitis(2 cases), pemphigus(2 cases), drug eruption(1 case), and insect bite(1 case).