The derivatives of the midgut are: most of the duodenum, small intestine, cecum, vermiform appendix, ascending colon and right two thirds of the transverse colon.
The wide communication of the midgut and the yolk sac is gradually reduced to the narrow yolk stalk (vitelline duct). Rapid elongation of the midgut and its mesentery results in the formation of the midgut loop which projects into the umbilical cord (physiological umbilical herniation). The cephalic limb of the loop develops into the duodenum, jejunum and part of the ileum, while the caudal limb gives rise to the rest of the midgut derivatives. The midgut loop rotates 270º counterclockwise around the axis formed by the superior mesenteric artery.

1. Vitelline duct
2. Superior mesenteric artery
3. Stomach
4. Duodenum
5. Cephalic limb of the loop
6. Caudal limb of the loop

1. Vitelline duct
2. Superior mesenteric artery
3. Stomach
4. Duodenum
5. Transverse colon
6. Small intestine
7. Cecal bud

During the 10th week, the intestines return to the abdomen. The cecal diverticulum (the primordium of the cecum and vermiform appendix) is first located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, then descends into the right iliac fossa. As the ascending colon assumes its final position, its mesentery is pressed against the peritoneum of the posterior abdominal wall and is permanently anchored in retroperitoneal position. While its mesentery disappears, the mesentery of other derivatives of the midgut loop remains.
During the development, the alimentary canal goes through a transient solid state, followed by a recanalization.

1. Vitelline duct
2. Small intestine
3. Stomach
4. Duodenum
5. Transverse colon
6. Cecal bud

1. Hepatic flexture
2. Stomach
3. Duodenum
4. Transverse colon
5. Ascending colon
6. Descending colon
7. Sigmoid
8. Cecum
9. Appendix

1. Cavity formation
2. Wall of the gut
3. Lumen of the gut