Diverticular disease is characterized by protrusions that form off which part of the digestive tract?

• A. Protrusions form off the large intestine that can become inflamed
• B. Protrusions form off the small intestine
• C. Protrusions form off the stomach lining
• D. Protrusions form off the esophagus

Answer: (A)

Diverticular disease involves pouch-like protrusions called diverticula that form through weak spots in the wall of the large intestine. These outpouchings most commonly occur in the sigmoid colon, the section of the large intestine just above the rectum. They develop when increased pressure inside the colon, often from a low-fiber diet, causes the mucosa and submucosa to herniate through the muscular layer. The diverticula can stay asymptomatic or become inflamed or infected (diverticulitis), leading to left-lower-quadrant pain and other symptoms. Protrusions off the small intestine, stomach, or esophagus are not characteristic of this condition.