A newborn has a midline abdominal defect with herniation of abdominal organs covered only by a thin membrane. Which embryologic failure is most likely responsible?
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Correct answer: Incomplete return of midgut to the abdomen
Omphalocele results from failure of the herniated midgut to return to the abdominal cavity. The organs remain covered by a peritoneal and amniotic membrane, unlike gastroschisis, which has no covering and arises from lateral body-fold failure.
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