2 fiGURE 3

The midgut gives rise to much of the colon and small intestine, as well as the cecum (the blind pouch at the junction of the small and large intestine) and the appendix (Fig. 16-5). The development of the intestines is marked by a substantial increase in length and considerable changes in position. During the latter part of the embryonic period and the early part of the fetal period, the developing intestines extend into the umbilical cord, making up the "umbilical hernia," which provides the intestines with space for development. The midgut loop extending into the umbilical cord twists and elongates, forming multiple loops of small intestine, as well as the cecal diverticulum, forerunner of the cecum and appendix, and the proximal part of the colon.