Umbilical vein: Difference between revisions

Under extreme [[blood pressure|pressure]], the round ligament may reopen to allow the passage of blood. Such recanalization may be evident in patients with [[cirrhosis]] and [[portal hypertension]]. Patients with cirrhosis experience rapid growth of [[scar tissue]] in and around the liver, often functionally obstructing nearby vessels. Vessel occlusion increases vascular resistance and therefore leads to hypertension. In portal hypertension, the vessels surrounding the [[liver]] are subjected to abnormally high blood pressure—so high, in fact, that the force of the blood pressing against the round ligament is sufficient to recanalize the structure. This leads to a condition caused [[Caput_medusae|Caput medusae]].