What term describes a saccular outpouching of the mucous membrane through a tear in the muscular layer of the GI tract?

What term describes a saccular outpouching of the mucous membrane through a tear in the muscular layer of the GI tract?

• A. Diverticulum
• B. Haustra
• C. Intussusception
• D. Malrotation

Answer: (A)

A diverticulum is a saccular outpouching of the mucosa that protrudes through a defect in the muscularis propria of the GI tract. This describes a mucosal/herniation through a weakened muscular layer, which is why it fits the term diverticulum. Haustra are normal wall folds, not mucosal protrusions through a tear in the muscle. Intussusception is when a segment of bowel telescopes into another, not a pouching. Malrotation is an abnormal embryologic rotation of the gut, not a mucosal herniation. So the described lesion is a diverticulum.

A diverticulum is a saccular outpouching of the mucosa that protrudes through a defect in the muscularis propria of the GI tract. This describes a mucosal/herniation through a weakened muscular layer, which is why it fits the term diverticulum. Haustra are normal wall folds, not mucosal protrusions through a tear in the muscle. Intussusception is when a segment of bowel telescopes into another, not a pouching. Malrotation is an abnormal embryologic rotation of the gut, not a mucosal herniation. So the described lesion is a diverticulum.