What happens to the intestines in a developing baby with an omphalocele?

In the case of an omphalocele, the intestines and sometimes other abdominal organs develop outside the abdominal cavity and are covered by a translucent sac at the base of the umbilical cord. This condition occurs due to a failure of the intestines to return to the abdominal cavity during fetal development. As a result, the intestines elongate and can protrude into the umbilical cord area. This event is essential to understand, as it highlights a significant developmental anomaly that can affect the baby's health and necessitates careful management after birth.

The other choices do not accurately describe the phenomenon associated with omphalocele. For instance, the intestines do not remain in their normal position, form a secondary vascular network, or compress against the bladder as part of this condition. Each of these options fails to capture the essential characteristic of how the intestines are involved in an omphalocele.