Diverticula are sac-like protrusions of which part of the GI tract?

Diverticula are sac-like protrusions of which part of the GI tract?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Stomach
• C. Large intestine
• D. Small intestine

Answer: (C)

Diverticula are sac-like protrusions of the large intestine, most often in the sigmoid colon. They form when mucosa and submucosa bulge through weak spots in the muscular wall between the taenia coli. In the colon these outpouchings are termed false diverticula because they don’t involve all layers of the wall. A higher intraluminal pressure from a low-fiber diet promotes their formation. Clinically, diverticulosis refers to these diverticula, and problems arise if they become inflamed (diverticulitis).

Diverticula are sac-like protrusions of the large intestine, most often in the sigmoid colon. They form when mucosa and submucosa bulge through weak spots in the muscular wall between the taenia coli. In the colon these outpouchings are termed false diverticula because they don’t involve all layers of the wall. A higher intraluminal pressure from a low-fiber diet promotes their formation. Clinically, diverticulosis refers to these diverticula, and problems arise if they become inflamed (diverticulitis).