Gastroschisis

GASTROSCHISIS (from Greek gaster-stomach, abdomen and schizo-I split), fissura abdominis, a developmental defect consisting of the failure of the abdominal cavity to close and the formation of a fissure; through this fissure occurs the herniation (eventration) of various internal organs. The herniated organs are covered in part by peritoneum and in part by the amnion; the anterior wall of the sac formed in front sometimes consists of the closely attached placenta; in this case the umbilical cord is absent, and the umbilical vessels run along the wall of the sac [see also Hernias (umbilical hernia)]. Simultaneously with the formation of the fissure in the abdominal coverings, sometimes there is a splitting of certain internal organs, for example, the urinary bladder, as well as the pubic symphysis.