a molded polymeric container generally symmetric about a vertical axis includes at least two rows of panels disposed circumferentially around the body , the panels having central portions that are sufficiently flexible to be dimensionally responsive to changes in pressure within the container . at least one row of the panels has a margin having a horizontal width exceeding the vertical height , thus being laterally elongate with a height / width aspect ratio of less than one . the pressure responsive central portion of each laterally elongate panel is a smooth outwardly projecting dome from a peripheral root of a generally radially projecting wall defining the margins of circumferential rings and posts separating the panels . the outwardly projection domes of the laterally elongate panels can have a variety of shapes .