lateral umbilical fold lateral umbilical fold the lateral umbilical fold is an elevation (on either side of the body) of the peritoneum lining the inner/posterior surface of the lower anterior abdominal wall formed by the underlying inferior epigastric artery and inferior epigastric vein which the peritoneum covers. superiorly, the lateral umbilical fold ends where the vessels reach and enter the rectus sheath at the arcuate line of rectus sheath; in spite of the name, the lateral umbilical folds do not extend as far superiorly as the umbilicus. inferiorly, it extends to just medial to the deep inguinal ring. lateral umbilical ligamentposterior view of the anterior abdominal wall in its lower half. the peritoneum is in place, and the various cords are shining through.the peritoneum of the male pelvis.detailsidentifierslatinplica umbilicalis lateralis; plica epigastricata98a10.1.02.434ta23796fma16537anatomical terminologyeach lateral umbilical fold is situated lateral to the ipsilateral medial umbilical fold. unlike the median and medial umbilical folds, the contents of the lateral umbilical fold remain functional after birth. clinical significance