omphalomesenteric duct

omphalomesenteric duct A narrow tube that is present in the early embryo that connects the midgut of the embryo to the yolk sac outside the embryo through the umbilical opening. Later in development, it is usually obliterated, but a remnant of it may persist, most commonly as a finger-like protrusion from the small intestine that is known as Meckel diverticulum. Also known as yolk stalk, umbilical duct, and vitelline duct. See also diverticulum, Meckel.