During the 11th week of development, the midgut loop rotates 270^o counterclockwise, as viewed anteriorly, around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) as it returns to the abdominal cavity. (**Note the difference in the frame of reference for rotation of the midgut and that of the duodenum). It is thought that the midgut returns to the abdominal cavity because the liver and kidneys decrease in relative size and the abdominal cavity enlarges. This process is known as the “reduction of the midgut hernia.”