Diverticulitis most commonly involves which area of the GI tract?

Diverticulitis most commonly involves which area of the GI tract?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Colon
• C. Stomach
• D. Small Intestine

Answer: (B)

Diverticulitis is inflammation of diverticula in the colon, and it most commonly involves the colon—especially the sigmoid colon. This area has the highest intraluminal pressure and a relatively narrow lumen, which promotes the formation of diverticula (outpouchings) along the colon. When those diverticula become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis occurs, most often in the sigmoid region. The other parts of the GI tract listed (esophagus, stomach, small intestine) do not typically develop diverticula in the same way, so they’re less likely sites for diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis is inflammation of diverticula in the colon, and it most commonly involves the colon—especially the sigmoid colon. This area has the highest intraluminal pressure and a relatively narrow lumen, which promotes the formation of diverticula (outpouchings) along the colon. When those diverticula become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis occurs, most often in the sigmoid region. The other parts of the GI tract listed (esophagus, stomach, small intestine) do not typically develop diverticula in the same way, so they’re less likely sites for diverticulitis.